Dragon Bride

Chapter 33 Circle of Healing

Karliene whispered a prayer. She did not think she could cure Lothar but she knew she could bring him peace. As she and Unni inhaled together and let out a deep breath their hands began to glow then the others in the circle glowed as did Lothar. Karliene felt the pain of the belly wound, the pain of the infection, the fever and all of Lothar's emotions as did Unni. She was surprise by the deep love Lothar felt for his family and even his clan and people and even her father James. She realized that Lothar feared rejection by those he cared for more than anything and hid it by being aloof and appearing unkind. That he alone had held Gorm in check for all his years as clan chief. She saw another side of this complicated man that would be king. Then the light faded and Karliene and Unni collapsed.

Karliene awoke finding herself in her own bed lying next to Unni. Had all of this been dream? Then she realized that she and Unni were fully clothed and Unni was having a whispered conversation with Olaf. He and Bjorn were sitting on benches on either side if the bed Bjorn was sleeping soundly but Olaf and Unni were holding hands and where leaning very close to each other. Karliene stirred.

Wakie, Wakie, Karlie dear," Unni teased. "You were out cold. Been waiting for you." Bjorn now opened his eyes and smiled at Karlie.

"Hows Lothar?" Karliene asked.

"Last I saw of him," Olaf said, "Eleanor and her daughters were feeding him ham and he was drinking wine. He seemed in excellent spirits."

"Everyone still hear?"

"Yes and the rain has stopped," Bjorn said, "Olaf tells me three long ships will pull into the harbor at mid-day and we need to make plans."

"Plans? For what?"

"We have a village to heal," Eleanor said as she stepped into their room , their door had been left open for some reason Karliene could not understand. "Gretchen asked me to be chaperone." Karliene and Unni rolled their eyes and laughed.

"Did you get canned as my chaperone?" Karliene teased.

"We got caught!"

"Tell me more," Karliene said smiling at her sister.

"Three can fit on our bed, and you and bear were out cold. And bear we over on the chair snoring away."

"And!"

"We were just kissing." Unni laughed and covered her face with a pillow to hide her crimson face.

"Just kissing?"

"Yuppers! We got caught! Kissing was all we had time for anyway."

"You are so bad little sis. I have no idea what to do with you."

"We are huldra, Karlie! Being bad is just in our blood," Unni delivered her last statement with a straight face and that had them all laughing.

They met in the great room to discuss Bjorn's plan. "We want everyone in the village aware that Karlie is back but nothing more," Bjorn said. "The ships will have a compliment of nearly sixty armed men but we do not want violence, we have verified intelligence that Vada has a coup planned. Unni is to be the next sacrifice."

"My presence must remain secret for the time being," Lothar said. "Karlie, Unni I can not fully express my gratitude."

"It was all of us in the healing circle," Karliene said humbly and Unni nodded.

"I know Eleanor has mentioned we have a village to heal. We, well many of us, have been sick with an evil presence, Gorm. Your aunt and Eleanor told me what he and my son have done to you. I am truly sorry. We have a real chance to change peoples hearts, to make our village a better place. I like Bjorn's plan."

"I think the best way for the village to encounter Karlie," Bjorn said, "is for you and Unni to simply show up at the mead hall to serve and entertain as if none of this happened."

"But a lot has happened," Karlie said now feeling angry, "I was almost killed. Unni and Oonagh's life was threatened...you're asking a lot..."

"And I have found the true faith," Lothar said softly, "we must rid this evil from our clans and unite our people. I know I am asking a lot. But Vada must not be killed. The killing all must stop. I love my son even though he is a monster. I will banish him and pray that his heart will be healed."

"You have found the faith!" Eleanor gasped.

"I have been talking to Fr. Peter for months. I was baptized in Denmark and have brought a priest to assist Peter. His name is Fr. Francis, his wife... I forget what her name is, she lovely person too."

"We will get Lothar to the hall unseen, after a few adjustments to his appearance," Bjorn said, "and escort you and Unni to the hall."

"Lothar can sit with me in my dark corner," Loki said. "Everyone will think I just brought a friend."

"I think it night be best if Eric and I accompany Lothar and Loki in a roundabout way and through the servers door," Gretchen said. "And if your girls, Eleanor, could watch my children here."

"What are we going to accomplish?" Karliene asked.

"Flush out the devil as he reveals his evil heart to the village, clear you name and honor and heal the village," Eleanor said softly.

"And redeem a king," Lothar said softly.

"We have a lot on our plate," Karliene said.

"But the bear usually has well thought plans," Unni added. "Shall we bring our swords?"

"I think a simple belt knife and our hidden one will be enough," Karliene said, "after all we'll have big burly escorts."