The Norseman

Chapter 14

I woke at first light. As my eyes adjusted I glanced around. My dress and Ivar's cloths lied on the floor. I rolled onto my back to see Ivar sleeping peacefully next to me.

I rolled onto my side as I moved closer to him. His eyes opened slightly then closed them. I kissed his forehead then got up. "Where are you going this early?" Ivar asked.

"The hot spring." I looked over my shoulder into his blue eyes.

"Do you always go alone?"

"No, I take my women warriors." I said as I put on a dress.

"Shield maidens." Ivar said as he put on his pants.

I turned slightly. I watched him put a shirt on. "Ivar, I will be just fine." I said softly.

Ivar eyes looked into mine. "I know."

"Then what are you doing?" I gestured to him clothed and putting on his boots.

"Going to get the warriors practicing." Ivar grabbed his crutches. He eased himself up and walked to me. He kissed me softly. "If you get into trouble... Scream." Ivar said then made his way to the door.

"I will." I said softly and followed him out. I gathered a couple women to follow me to the hot spring.

I glanced around as the women formed a circle around the spring with their backs towards me. I got in the water and began washing off. Once I was done I dressed and made my way back.

I glanced over at a man in the market place I've never seen before. His hair was graying and his eyes dark as well as dull.

"Who is that man?" I asked one of the workers.

"I'm not sure. He just arrived here today."

I nodded slightly then sent one of the warriors to get Ivar. I kept watch until Ivar made his way over. "Who is that?"

"I don't know. He just arrived here today."

"I will have someone watch him closely then." Ivar said softly.

"He reminds of someone we have met before..." I said quietly.

"Come for now." Ivar said as he started making his way towards the castle.

I followed Ivar quietly to the castle. We walked into the dining room and sat down. I looked at Ivar for a moment. "What is on your mind?"

"I am thinking of going to Greece." Ivar locked eyes with mine.

"When?" I asked curiously.

"Perhaps in a month. I want to carefully plan everything." Ivar said.

I nodded slightly as the servants sat food in front of us. I looked at my plate then pushed it away. "I'm not hungry right now."

Ivar stared at me for a moment. "Are you feeling well?"

"Yes, I'm fine, just not hungry." I said softly.

Ivar ate quietly for a moment as he watched me. "My lord..." Oluf said as he walked in.

"What is it Oluf?" Ivar looked towards him.

"Hvitserk has arrived."

Ivar slowly put his fork down. He eased himself up with his crutches. I stood up and walked away from my chair. "Stay here."

"But..."

"Let me see why he has come first." Ivar cut me off as he followed Oluf.

I huffed as I looked down slightly. I walked from the room and through the hall. I peaked my head out the door. I stepped outside as they came towards the door.

"You must be Lir, my brother was just telling me about you." Hvitserk said.

"Yes, I am Lir." I nodded. "It's nice to finally meet you Hvitserk."

"Hvitserk is going to be coming with us to Greece." Ivar said as he stood by me.

"The more warriors the better." I said softly.

Hvitserk and Ivar walked inside the castle. I took in a deep breath as I walked inside. "Are you alright Lir?" Aleena asked.

"Yes, I am." I nodded. "Can you get Hvitserk and Ivar ale?"

"Of course." Aleena nodded and got a pitcher of ale. She grabbed two cups and walked to the dining room. I walked to the throne room and stood at the window.

I watched the warriors that have come with Hvitserk move stuff from the ships. I looked back toward the doorway as Ivar came into the room. "What are you doing?

"Watching." I said as I looked back toward the window.

Ivar kissed my shoulder softly then my neck. "Are you sure everything is alright?"

"Yes, why?" I asked softly.

Ivar grabbed my arm and gently spun me so I would face him. "Because, you are a terrible liar." His blue eyes stared into mine sternly. "You are my wife now. You don't have to hide anything from me."

"I'm feeling a little sick... That is why I do not want to eat. I feel fine when I don't have to look at food..."

Ivar huffed a little as he pressed his lips to my forehead. "Why didn't you just say that?"

"Because, I knew you would still be concerned."

"Of course I would be concerned. I love you and we're married now." Ivar placed his hand on my cheek.

Days past by slowly as we prepared for the journey to Greece. We made arrows and bows. Made sure all swords and axes were sharpened. We made sure we had plenty of water and food for the journey.

The night before the journey I was gathering up my things and felt a sickening feeling creep up. I ran to the window quickly as I got sick.

I wiped my mouth as I slid down to the floor and placed my hand on my forehead. The door opened and Ivar made his way to the bed. "Lir? You in here?"

"I'm here..." I said faintly.

"Lir..." Ivar slid off the bed and crawled over to me. "What happened? You're face is paler than normal."

"I think I'm sick..." I said quietly.

Ivar wrapped his arms around me. He kissed my forehead. "Aleena!" he called.

"Yes?" Aleena entered the room quickly. "Get something for Lir to drink that's warm"

"Yes my lord." Aleena left quickly to get a warm herbal tea. When she returned she helped me in the bed. Ivar pulled himself onto the bed and helped me drink the tea.

"While I am away, you will take care of her right?" Ivar looked at Aleena.

"Yes, of course. I will do everything I can to help her." Aleena assured him. Ivar nodded in response.