Dragon Bride

Chapter 7 Cabbages

Bjorn had a sleepless night. He was positive his clumsiness with words had alienated Karlie. When he was close to her his skin tingled. He had thought to confide this feeling with Olaf but discarded it fearing ridicule. No other woman had effected him so strongly, ever. He was miserable and was sulking outside the long house when he saw Karliene and her sister walk off toward the village carrying a large basket. Unni waved at him and Karliene smiled. Her smile caused a stirring of renewed hope. Perhaps not all was lost.

Later that morning as they all sat for breakfast Karliene again favored Bjorn with a fleeting smile. Karl was sitting next to him talking while Bjorn appeared to listen and respond to the child. "Today I'm having one of my vegetable plots plowed," Eric said.

"Goose Girl will be at you service," Karliene said saluting.

"I'd like to help," Bjorn said.

"Have you ever used a hoe?" Karliene asked, "It's not like a sword you know." She swung her arm around slicing the air. The look on her face said, "got you" and she smiled smugly.

"Not sure what kind of hoe you mean," he paused for effect then continued staring at her and smirking, "the one with a long stick and a flat blade or the softer one you take to bed?" Bjorn said dryly. Others at the table laughed and turned their eyes toward Karliene. She blushed at his remark and refused to look at him. "I am a farmer and a fisherman by trade, a warrior by necessity."

"Well said," Eric replied, "your help would be appreciated. I want to get the cabbage and root vegetables in today.Tomorrow the peas, beans and turnips. I've engaged the plowman for two days."

"You should get your own plow," Unni said.

"I could," Eric responded, "but a team of oxen are expensive to purchase and keep not to mention cost of a good plow. Horace owns four teams and plows so it's much more cost effective using him."

They all met at the field and the geese were already busy feeding on any bugs and grubs turned up by the plow. "I see a single team is able to run the plow here," Bjorn said as he leaned on the hoe he had just finished sharpening.

"Not as much clay in the soil here," Karliene replied. She was standing close to Bjorn working her rake.

"Do you ever wear shoes?" Bjorn asked.

"Whatever for, Bear." She smiled at him,"I like it even better after it rains and I can feel the mud between my toes," she lifted her dirty little feet to so show them off and giggled when she finished speaking. Bjorn turned his hoe over and holding it by the blade began poking the handle in the dirt.

"Am I hoeing properly," he said to Karliene feigning a confused look. She responded by laughing.

"You're such a doofus. And no that's not how you hoe. Do I need to stand next to you and show you how?" Bjorn grinned as she moved closer and they worked together not speaking. Bjorn used the hoe to further prepare the soil for the seeds and Karliene used her rake to cover the seeds.

"Why does Vada hate you?" Bjorn spoked softly so only Karliene could hear.

"It started summer when I turned fifteen. I got a lot of attention from the village boys."

"You are very pretty," Bjorn said softly. Karliene blushed and her lips turned up slightly in a tentative smile. She glanced at him then returned her focus on her work.

"It was rumored in the village that I was a huldra, a seductive creature of the forest so everyone thought I was easy."

"I'm sorry, guys can be pretty mean, especially young randy men."