The Pagan Goddess

Chapter Eight

"You will tell me!" Karten yells grabbing onto my very knotted hair. I have lost track how long I have been here, but all I think of is Bjørn.

"I do not know of this pagan goddess!" I scream when a fist comes to the side of my cheek making me spat out blood on the nearby cell wall. 

"You are the pagan goddess! Do not lie to me!" Karten screams as he motions the guards to tie me up, hanging from the cell ceiling. I am not lying, I have no idea of  what he speaks of.

Two guards pick my frail body up and tie each arm to a rope that was connected to the cells ceiling. The front of my body was facing the back of the cell and my bare back was facing the entrance to my cell. I knew what was coming next. Karten counted to three for me to tell him a truth I do not know of before whipping me on the back leaving a large cut where it landed. I scream in pain as blood drips down my legs.

I get three more whips with three more loud screams. Blood is dropping to the cell floor along with sweat or maybe tears from my swelled eyes. Karten shoos the guards away and I prepare for what comes next. He is definitely in a mood today which means the worst is to come for me.

"If you will not tell me the truth then I will just have to hump it out of you." He grunts, taking my knotted hair in his forceful grip.

He pulls my head back making me look at him. His face angered with sweat dripping from his head. I grin, "what a small man to have to forcefully hump a women for a truth that does not exist." My voice raspy and weak, but my words hurt. I could see it in Karten's weak eyes.

He pushes my head forward and grabs my waist making me stand. I hear his belt unbuckle and tears begin to form in my eyes and I think of nothing but Bjørn. One day he will come and rescues me. One day he will avenge me or I will do it myself.

I quickly sat up in the bed I laid in. My heart pounding and my breathing labored. When I realized it was just a bad dream and I was safe, I covered myself back up with the warm furs. I remember I was rescued by Bjørn and his men. I remember I was in Bjørn's large room resting in his large bed. I stare at the roof of Bjørn's room which is located on the second floor of his main hall and wish to see him. My heart aches for him. The last time I saw him, I was being pulled away from him before I got to apologize for my behavior. I slowly sit up as a few tears fall from my eyes.

It has been about a month since I was rescued by my beloved Bjørn and brought back to Rumcofa. Bjørn has not made an appearance just yet, but Alfric has sent a messenger to him. Upon his arrival, Hilda and Alfric are to be wed. I have stayed in Bjørn's very large room most of the time I have returned. I am just not ready to socialize with Bjørn's people, although many of them have sent their wishes through Thyra and Hilda.

I stand and slowly walk to the large open windows that over sees pretty much everything in Rumcofa. I peak my head out the window and notice Tora chasing Ivar who wobbles as he's just learning to walk, both of them laughing loudly. Astrid and Thyra watching close by laughing occasionally at the small laughter coming from their children. Astrid was holding Sigard close to her chest, bouncing every once in awhile to keep her from crying. I am so glad Erik found someone to share his life with. I know Astrid and I did not get along at first, but she is good for my brother. She will keep him in line and he needs that. I smile as I think about my stubborn brother.

I look amongst Bjørn's people, all hard at work. Guards posted on either side of the gates and atop to over see the far distance incoming travelers. People caring for the animals and children running around, playing with each other. Bjørn has made this little village a happy home for many. He would be a great leader. "Lady Freya." I hear a very quiet female voice behind me say making me jump slightly.