Ease The Dawn

Chapter 16

The warm light of the setting sun cast a golden hue over her fair skin making her blue eyes appear a soft grey. He had rarely spent time with her outside the tent and had never noticed the small freckle just below the bottom lashes of her left eye. Even her spots were charming, he thought.

Rows and rows of long tables with bench seats filled the camp's dining area. Pausing at the edge, he waiting for Aethelswith to stand beside him.

"Our table is there." Looking down at her, he took a slow step forward, silently indicating his request for her to walk with him.

The chatter dimmed as every person turned their gaze to the captive. Most had seen her in the camp before but not dressed as she was then and not standing, side by side, with their leader. The gown she wore was deep red and made of plush velvet with a slight train. The bodice fit tight to her body and the full skirt widened just below her hips. The plunging neckline and long-sleeved cuffs were bordered with soft cream lace.

Upon first seeing her walk from the tent to greet him, Ivar had felt confronted, losing sight in that moment of his controlled demeanor. A sensation of panic swept through him, and he knew then, with certainty, not even a cage around his heart could protect him from her. He had smiled broadly, fully, and without restraint as did she as they stood, face to face, in the open. She was exquisite, a vision; a petite vision! The top of her head was in line with his elbow, standing where they were now, in front of his people.

Feeling the crowd's interest, she walked as close to Ivar as his crutch would allow as they made their way between the tables toward their seats. Ivar preened as his men gawked at her, strutting past and making no attempt to contain his glee.

He loved the attention and wondered if fame and glory were the only things worth fighting for. Was devotion a motivation that could turn men into legends? Even legends into Gods? Questions flew through his mind as he glanced down to the beauty walking beside. So much spirit fit inside that tiny body, he thought. It made him feel like a giant; ten feet tall. He felt invincible with her next to him. Whole and proud and not blind to the new motivation for greatness taking seed deep in his mind.

Aethelswith took the seat next to him, feeling anxious under the weight of the warriors' scrutiny. Keeping her back straight, she softly lowered her chin, not wanting to overcompensate for her discomfort by appearing smug.

A thrall appeared between them and filled Ivar's cup. He passed it directly to her, stunning her with his manners in front of his men. Lifting his glass, he leaned close.

"Skoll," he said with a grin.

Smiling in return, she repeated his cheer, taking a sip of her drink; the taste surprising her.

"What is this? It is delightful."

Tilting back toward her. "I believe you Christians call it communion wine."

Aethelswith's eyes widened as she sampled the sweet red wine a second time.

"I wish had not asked."

Thralls began bringing the food that had been the source of the mouth-watering aroma. Cheers and laughter could be heard in all directions as the warriors crudely grabbed food from the trays placed in the centre of the long tables. Aethelswith surveyed the rough way the men and women were eating with their hands, gulping mead and speaking while their mouths were full of food.

A platter was placed in front of them along with two plates, prepared just for them. The food looked and proved to be delicious; mixed meat, root vegetables, and charred fish. As they ate, Aethelswith listened to Ivar speak in his native tongue to Loni who was seated on his far side. Aethelswith had been relieved when Gussr sat down on her other side. His calm presence providing a warm sense of reassurance.