Kate Hill - Northmans Passion

An Elloras Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Northmans Passion

ISBN 9781419923036

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Northmans Passion Copyright 2009 Kate Hill

Edited by Briana St. James

Cover art by Syneca

Electronic Book Publication August 2009

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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors imagination and used fictitiously.

Northmans Passion

Kate Hill

Chapter One

Erik Ice Tooth was accustomed to getting what he wanted. Few men could match him in strength and prowess in battle. Those who valued their lives avoided crossing him for any reason. Though not a cruel master, his punishments for offenses were swift and harsh. He and his brothers, Sigfred and Grim, were favorites of the King and provided him with a wealth of goods from their raiding and trading.

Erik hadnt visited the King for almost two years and decided after his most recent voyage he would personally deliver his goods. He had agreed to take along his young cousin, Thorkel. Though the boy was taller than most men and strong in battle, his clumsiness caused difficulties. It shouldnt have come as a surprise when Thorkel tripped on his way to the Kings house and knocked Erik into a pile of manure.

It took all Eriks control not to take a sword to Thorkel then and there.

Calm yourself, Sigfred said. Im sure its not the first time the King has smelled manure and it wont be the last.

Grumbling, Erik glared at Thorkel and scraped off as much of the stinking mess as he could. Erik worried less about offending the King, who wasnt known for his cleanliness, than about spending half the night in filthy clothes.

Come on, said Grim. But keep your distance until you can find a wench to wash your trousers.

Inside the longhouse, Erik approached the King who sat on his place of honora carved bench in the center of the room. Eriks annoyance was soon forgotten, replaced by the heady lure of desire. Standing near the bearded, leather-skinned ruler was a stunning black-haired beauty. Usually he preferred robust blonds, but the fire in this womans dark eyes hinted at a fierce spirit that Erik found most intriguing.

Erik, its been a long time. Good to see you, the King said, a rare glint of cheerfulness in his slate-colored eyes. You have brought me tribute?

Furs and other valuables, Erik replied, tearing his gaze from the woman. All carried in a fine new ship I had built as a gift for you.

The King looked pleased, a faint smile tugging at his solemn mouth. If he noticed the smell lingering from the manure, he gave no indication, nor did the woman beside him. Perhaps the stench wasnt as bad as Erik thought, especially within the smoky confines of the longhouse. Still he would ask one of the serving wenches to wash his clothes and dry them by the fire so they would be clean for the trip home. Later though, when he could lie naked beneath furs to sleep.

You remember my brothers, Erik said, indicating Sigfred who stood to his left and Grim to his right. Though Erik was exceptionally tall, both his brothers were also above average height. Sigfred was as dark as Erik and built like a bear in early winter while Grim was rangy and lean with flaming red hair and a fiery beard.

Yes. You and your men have traveled long. Sit. Eat and drink. Choose women to share your ale.

Sigfred made a motion to introduce himself to the black-haired lady, but Erik shoved him aside.

If the King wanted to introduce his new bride, he would have done so.

The King chuckled, a grating sound, and said, I didnt think you were given to flattery, Erik. This isnt my wife, but my youngest daughter, Bera.

Bera? Though Erik had never met the girl, he had heard rumors about her and they didnt match this beauty. Hed heard she was plain and pitifully shy. This woman was far from plain and anyone who met his gaze, unfaltering, could not be shy. Even if she was as ugly as the rumors claimed, a woman with this kind of spirit could excite a man as much as a rousing battle. At the moment all Erik could think about was tangling with her lush body beneath a blanket.

Unless she was already spoken for, he didnt doubt he would have her before the night was through. He nearly smiled at the thought of her keeping him warm while his freshly washed clothes dried by the fire. The King liked Erik and wouldnt stand in his way if he wanted the girl.

Will you drink with me, Bera? Erik asked without preamble, then glanced at the King. If your father approves?

Of course. The King waved his hand. Go. Drink. Talk. Enjoy the evening.

Bera looked sharply at her father. But I have work to do after supper.

Let the other women do it, ordered the King, tugging her onto the bench near his. These men are our guests and in need of company. Tonight they are allowed the pleasure of female companionship. Erik, you and your brothers join us at my table.

Erik nodded, his full attention once again focused on Bera. When he sat beside her on the bench, she recoiled, then stood and said, Ill get you something to drink and eat.

Eriks gaze followed her for a moment. She wasnt especially tall but had full breasts, a narrow waist and hips that were made for a man to grasp while rutting long and hard.

Erik moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue, then was distracted when the King called to him.

The Kings other daughter, Asgerd, approached with food and ale for Grim. She was even older than Bera and still unmarried, though everyone knew that was because the King favored her. She was the image of her late mothera tall, beautiful blond with curves men dreamed of. She had numerous offers, but all had been refused.

By the way she hovered around Grim, Erik believed at least one offer wouldnt be refused. Grim had no interest in marriage, however.

The men talked of raids, building ships and forthcoming voyages. Some invited women to share their food. Several times Erik motioned for Bera to sit beside him, but she stood nearby, serving ale and stew when his bowl and mug ran low, but she neither ate nor drank. This was the first time in what seemed like ages Erik had to relax. The past few years had been an endless journey of battles, raiding and trading.

He allowed the woman to continue refilling his mug and soon he became so relaxed from the ale that he forgot about the stench of his clothes or even impressing the King with stories of his latest adventures.

Bera hovered behind the table until Erik finally turned to her and said, Woman, will you sit and relax?

The King growled at his daughter and she dropped onto the bench, her spine stiff and eyes ablaze. He grunted and explained, She is a strong worker and would make a good wife.