The Viking Slave

Chapter 28: We Meet Again...

Astrid watched quietly from the window as the morning sun rose. The pinks and oranges filled the cold sky. She carefully watched the strange band of men down below, observing every move each individual made.

"You should try to get some rest." Deman suggested as he moved close to her. "You have been awake all night," he laid his hand gently upon her back, rubbing small circles around her shoulders. "And I fear that worries will get the best of you."

Astrid looked up at him with a calming smile. "I will be alright, my dearest." She rested her cold, sweaty hands lightly on his wrists. "I must see who these people are, first, before I can do anything else."

Deman bit his lower lip in uncertainty. "Why do you worry with them?" He leaned forward as a serious expression overcame his face.  "Are they the ones who took your innocence?"

Astrid dropped her head in shame without responding. She felt her cheeks grow hot with fear while her heart began to beat rapidly.

"I fear that they are." She spoke softly.

"I will not let them take you," Deman bluntly stated, grasping her hands tightly. "NOr will I allow them to do anything to you, no matter how hard they try." He brushed his thumb along her reddened cheek. "You are my wife and I will not let any harm befall upon you. That is the vow I made and I will keep till I die." He planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Do you understand?"

Astrid smiled and nodded, raising her hand on his. Without anymore words spoken, Deman left. She watched each graceful step he took until he was completely out of eight. Astrid let out a sigh before turned her attention back to the men down below. Her trembling fingers spun the ring around her finger to calm her worrisome mind.

It was then, there in the distance a familiar face appeared. She recognized the dark hair, masculine body, and scruffy beard of the one and only Knute; The face man whom loved her and promised her the world but only gave her heartache. Around him was Erick and the slave named Wald. Many of the men were unfamiliar to her, making her assume they were soldiers of Bard's. She felt the air go from her lungs at the unbelievable sight and quickly gasped for a breath of air, covering her gaping mouth.

"It cannot be." She mumbled to herself, shaking her head violently. "How did they find me!? Why!?" She shut her eyes and smacked her face slightly hoping that she was dreaming. To her disbelief, they were still there and coming onto the land. "No! No! This cannot happen, not again."

She leaned against the cold wall as hot, angry tears welled in her bloodshot eyes. She placed her hand over her forehead in hopes the throbbing pains would vanish. Silently, she slid down onto the ground, hitting the hard floor forcefully with a plop. While her head raced with what was to come, her heart beat out of her chest until she rolled over unconscious...

When she came to she found herself lying on her bed wrapped in the silk sheet. The warm sunlight was beaming onto her chilled body. Sharp pains ran through her head as she sat up on the edge of the bed. A single cup of water sat on the table beside her. She took a sip, wetting her dry mouth. Her eyes surveyed the room in search for Deman, who was no where to be found.

After sitting and supping water for several minutes, Astrid arose, slipping on her soft soled leather shoes before leaving the room. Her feet pattered lightly on the stone floors. She felt the dizziness stirring in her head with each step she took. The halls were dim and quiet. Not a should roamed, which was unusual for the castle during the day. At the end of the hall the faint sound of women's voices were heard inside the kitchen. Confused, Astrid made her way inside, hoping someone knew what was happening.

Once she was inside, the ladies went silent. They looked at each other timidly, while they continued prepping the food.

Astrid strolled past each of them, lightly touching their backs. "Why is everyone so quiet?" She asked lowly, stopping beside Camilla, who was kneading bread dough. "Camilla, my good friend, tell me why?" She paused, raising a brow. "You would not lie to me, now, would you?"