Valknut

CHAPTER|39 Preparations II

Olaf made his way to his parent’s chambers. A quick word with them and he was out the door. He searched the castle for Catriona. When he couldn’t find her, he headed to the stables and the gardens. Still unable to locate her, he left word with one of the servants to find her and relay to her that she was needed for pressing matters. 

Olaf made his way back to the stables, mounted his horse and galloped off towards the village. Much needed to be done before the actual wedding. A quick ride later, panting horse and pensive rider reached the village. First order of business, finding Gauk the Norse Reeve, and Erp the Norse Carpenter.  

Stopping his horse at the Inn, Olaf made his way through the doors and let his eyes adjust to the dimly lit room. In a corner, he found both men hunched over their ale mugs. He made his way silently to the group and sat down. 

“Gauk, Erp” he said addressing both men. 

“Olaf, what brings you to us?” they replied in unison, in their native language. 

“I have some business that could desperately use your assistance…” 

Both men raised their eyebrows in response, looked at each other and then back at Olaf before prompting him to continue. 

“Ale for your story?” 

“Ahh ale of course. Lots and lots of it! You see I am to be wed in two weeks...” 

Both men listened quietly, amused with Olaf’s tale. Their brows furrowed when he related to them the work that he needed help with. 

“In two weeks you say?” Gauk asked scratching his chin. 

Olaf nodded. 

“It can be done... if we can find all the material we need and if the weather holds…” 

“Take apart one of my ships if you must... this work cannot be late.” 

Both men looked at Olaf with disbelief… “Take apart one of your ships... Did you hit your head somewhere? Do you know how long it takes us to build one of those monsters?” 

Olaf made a face. 

Erp spoke, “Nay that won’t be needed. The wife will not be happy. We'll be working through the night to finish on time. It better be one hell of a feast! She’ll excuse almost anything for a good meal.” 

All three men laughed, before Olaf stood up to excuse himself. 

“Make your way up the hill today, make a list of what you will need and I’ll help anyway that I can.” 

He then dug into his pockets and produced a heavy pouch. Throwing it on the table he spoke, “Here's an advance to get you started. And something spare for the ale. Make me proud.” 

With that done, Olaf made his way back out of the Inn. He needed to see Aengus next. 

The list was endless, Aengus had complained… a sword, spear, shield and a bridle for a horse all in two weeks along with a handful of smaller knick knacks. Yet again, a heavy pouch and promise of a great feast with free flowing ale had subdued any short tempers. 

Then Olaf went in search of horses, specifically palfreys. Once that was done, he would need to go find some cattle! This was a chore he would hate the most. He never did get along well with the smelly oversized beasts! He sighed to himself… the things we do for love! 

Olaf’s legs felt weary as he mounted his horse again… This time, he made his way to the laundress. He had lost count of how many times he’d mounted and dismounted that animal today. All he knew was that he was sore beyond belief and that he couldn’t wait to finish and get back home. A long hot soak, food, ale and perhaps a chat with Catriona and all this weariness would be forgotten! With that realization, he began pondering over where Catriona had been all morning. 

************** 

Catriona stood in the center of Kára’s chambers. A heated debated had just finished between the two women and they stood there, glaring at each other, breathing heavily from their efforts. So far, this had proven to be a futile attempt in communicating. The silly woman refused to listen to anything Catriona had said. Exhausted from her efforts, Catriona turned to leave. 

As she faced Catriona’s retreating back, Kára’s instincts told her to try a different approach. She wasn’t inherently disapproving and distrustful of new comers, but as the only surviving female member of her family, and given the tragedy her brother’s had had to endure, she felt it within her right to protect those whom she loved. She hadn’t thought very highly of Catriona at first, but the fact that she was here, trying to work things out between them and that she had spoken of her childhood and her troubles and how much she loved knowing that she had a family, had earned her some of Kára’s respect. 

A crash and the subsequent sound of shattering glass made Catriona pause on her way out. She turned to see a rather plain looking vase broken at her feet. For an instant there, she assumed this act to be some sort of threat. As she geared up to confront the annoying woman yet again, Kára spoke, cutting through Catriona’s thoughts. 

“Ye see that? When something fragile meets something harsh, it shatters. That’s what my family is at present. Fragile. Would ye care to pick up the pieces? That’s what I have had to do since the death of my parents. It’s a hard and enduring task ye know. And not one that I’m inclined to have to do again. As much as I would like to rejoice at being reunited with my sister, it scares me to think that if yer an imposter, I’ll be left to pick up after the mess ye create.” 

Catriona stood looking at the woman in disbelief. She had finally opened up. Spoken of her insecurities and as much as it hurt to be called an imposter, she could see why Kára was being reserved. 

She turned to the door and called for the maid standing outside. Within minutes, two more rushed into the room carrying brooms. Seconds later, the mess was cleaned and all that remained was a small discoloration at the point of impact. 

Catriona looked at Kára with softened eyes. “Ye see that? When one has support, no matter how horrid the incident, no matter how broken the person, shattered pieces are easier to deal with. With love and support. That’s what family is about. Even if ye do not believe I am Asdis, I am still to be wed to Olaf. Since Klaufi and Olaf grew up as brothers, that makes us family. And I’m here, willing to trust ye and love ye as family. Willing to be accepting of ye. Would ye not take a similar leap of faith? Must we, two women of the same house, tear the family from the inside out? Will you not let me help you fix what is broken?” 

With that Catriona turned and left. If nothing else, Kára needed time to think over things and hopefully, reconsider her position on the matter.