Ease The Dawn

Chapter 5

Many weeks had passed with no change in her captivity. Aethelswith had begun to feel numb to the monotonous routine of the day. 

Informed, one morning, by Brana that Ivar would allow her to move freely in the camp as long as she stayed under guard, her elation bubbled over causing her to jump to her feet and pull Brana into a clumsy embrace. Finally, she would be able to stretch her legs, breathe the fresh air, perhaps, speak English with Brana more often. Not daft, she knew she would not be able to escape but still, she was excited to leave the confining walls of the tent, even, for a short while.

Required to be chaperoned at all times, Aethelswith was introduced to her guard. Gussr was his name and he was a tower of a man and Aethelswith remembered him well from the day of her capture with his long grey hair and beard. Perhaps passed his prime fighting years, she had witnessed his strength that day from the carriage and had, no doubt, he was an experienced warrior and one who was obviously trusted by Ivar. Although massive, he moved with ease and his eyes seemed patient. Not feeling as though he was a threat, she was somewhat disappointed to learn he could not speak a word of her language. Any outlet for communication would have been welcome. Within days hand signals and head motions were introduced between them allowing for the a little back and forth. Always, he kept a small distance and moved behind her, and as a result she secretly, to herself, pet named him her shadow.

Gussr earned Night in Shining Armour prestige the morning he entered the tent, heaving in Aethelswith's heavy wooden trunk. Astonished, she rushed to open the lid, finding her belongings still neatly packed by Ardith's careful hands. They had not been rummaged through and not a single thing seemed to be missing; even her few pieces of jewelry were there. Running her fingers over the soft fabrics of her clothing, her mind stilled wondering if this wooden chest represented the only belongings she would ever have again. Closing the lid, she rested her hands on the decorative carving of a rising sun over figures bent in worship. Turning to look at Gussr, she bowed her headed in gratitude. Responding with a simple shrug, the message was clear; returning her trunk was not his decision. None the less, she was grateful.

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The sun began to dip in the sky and the shade, cast by the surrounding forest, slowly crept over the camp's west side. Aethelswith sat on her bed, plate on her lap, eating venison and potatoes when the tent flap opened. Not having to see his form coming through the door, she knew it was him. There was something in the way the flap was held open for a moment that told her it was not Brana, who was simply incapable of not rushing.

Stepping in, he paused and looked at her and her eyes instinctively widened. Quickly putting her plate and utensils down on the bed, she stood, straightening her back and met his heavy stare.

"Why do you sit on the bed to eat?" his voice was curt.

Her eyes darted to Ivar's table and back to him. "I did not feel it appropriate to sit at the table."

Glancing at the desk, he shuffled back to the tent door, opening it and calling out in Norse. Returning to where he had been standing, he waited, his eyes flicking around the tent as if avoiding eye contact.

The flap opened and Gussr ducked through carrying a stool carved from a tall stump of wood. Dropping it onto the grass opposite to Ivar's side of the table, he nodded quickly and left. Looking back to Aethelswith, Ivar shifted his head awkwardly, clearing his throat.

"Princess, dine at the table. I am eating here tonight."

"Yes, my Lord," she replied quietly but did not move.

"Now," he jerked his head, lifting his hand in the direction of the table.

Cautiously, she bent down and collected her plate and cup of water. Walking past him towards the table, she almost expected to see him, in her periphery, lunge and strike. Setting her plate and cup down on the desk, she turned back to him and he nodded impatiently ushering her to continue.