Read Online Blind Mercy by Violetta Rand - Free Book Online

should be beholden to a greater power—they too deserved to be tested. A man’s future was his own. And blind faith in any deity represented one of two things, fear or mental incapacity.
    Now, a woman’s fate . . . Tyr’s gaze swept the deck. Watching her enjoy the company of another man provoked him, even if it was his oldest friend, Onetooth.
    Should he try to distance himself from further relations with Rachelle? A female’s life depended on the men who protected her; his possession of her confirmed it. Comforting her went against everything he’d been taught by his elders in Norway. Regardless of his bloodline, a man's beliefs were the foundation of his judgment—the core of his intellectual capabilities. He’d known that all his life. Wisdom was more valuable than gold.
    Temporarily forgetting his annoyance, he made rounds. By now, the vessel had cleared the cove and moved swiftly in open water.
    “It’s too late for the last harvest celebration, but we’ll arrive in time for the celebration of Winternights and Álfablót , the winter sacrifice. And perhaps a hunt before the snow comes.” His words were meant to keep his men diligent.
    Indulgences overdue, he licked his lips in the promise of his pleasure. A harem of females lived at his steading, with a flock of children running loose behind them. Not known as the sort of lord to forbid his men from enjoying the pleasures his household offered, the parentage of some of these offspring remained unknown. Still, he loved them all. Variety was his greatest pleasure in life. He lived by that belief, whether it pertained to statecraft or the bedchamber.
    Nearing mid-ship, Rachelle’s feminine laughter had a perverse effect on him. Why did he bring her, a lapse in judgment? Perhaps an uncontrollable desire to have his way with her . . . no . . . she was more than a sexual conquest. When he had first cracked his eyes open to see who was standing over him on the battlefield, he thought Odin had sent a Valkyrie to escort him to Valhalla. The girl turned out to be flesh and blood. What delicious flesh to see, but damn her Saxon blood.
    After stalking to a row of wooden boxes stored near the mast, he opened one. Taking out a large fur, he closed the lid, then faced the girl. If she was going to stay with him, he’d better consider her safety more. Slipping behind her, he covered her shoulders. She snuggled into it, welcoming the warmth. There should be dry clothing for her somewhere. As for shoes, he eyed his young thrall. His feet might be near the size of Rachelle’s. The boy could wrap his feet in strips of fur to keep warm. Anticipating colder weather, he didn’t want his precious cargo getting chilled.
    Any encouragement Rachelle received from Onetooth, to make her feel more welcome within the confines of the ship, disappeared by the third day of the voyage. Today, Tyr amassed most of his men. He glanced at Rachelle. She hugged herself, knowing what must be done. He’d condemn only himself by sharing the news that Norway had no king. Having grown up in an officer’s home, she’d been exposed to many unhappy conversations regarding military affairs. The thrill of victory wouldn’t be experienced by these men.
    Looking as dignified as he possibly could, Tyr began. “Every man is responsible for his own life. Limitless rewards are bestowed upon the man that girds himself with vigilance and wisdom and who keeps his eyes focused heavenward for signs from the gods. Hardrada’s men threw caution to the wind after we conquered York.”
    The longer he hesitated, the more she noticed how his head dipped and his shoulders became a little less erect.
    “I will not dishonor our brethren by recounting useless details—I’m not particularly interested in who was at fault—logic was abandoned in York. After King Harold attacked, most were not prepared to defend our position.” His voice was thick with regret. “A single warrior stood out amongst Hardrada’s forces.