Read Online The Seducer (Viking Warriors) by Jianne Carlo - Free Book Online

many lands had Elaina’s thoughts churning.
    “I left our sons in Magnus’ capable hands when I found out that the wife I thought was resting had decided to help the alewife with sacks of hops. Ainslin, be reasonable. You are with child. You are not to lift a spool of wool far less sacks of hops.”
    “Fie! Save us from all dense warrior husbands. And not a word, Njal. Can you believe it? He would have me not ride. I swear the next time I am with child, you will know nothing of it until the birthing is done.” Bettina narrowed her eyes.
    Njal relieved Bettina of their son, Saxski. “You know well what will happen if I chance you on a stallion. I would tie Ainslin to the bed frame were I you, Torsten. Lifting sacks of hops.” He snorted. “Shall we escort our wives and children to their chambers?”
    “Aye. For I fear they are all headstrong and unreasonable.” Torsten glared at his wife. “Will you walk or shall I carry you?”
    ’Twould not have surprised Elaina to see flames spewing from Ainslin’s nostrils as she met her husband’s stare. Not a word sounded in the bailey. Elaina held her breath cert that the Bear would explode.
    But Torsten blew out a heavy sigh instead. “Go to Mama, Inga.”
    Ainslin blinked but took Inga from Torsten. Then he scooped both Inga and Ainslin into his arms.
    “Do not even think on it. I will walk, Njal.” Bettina fair huffed the statement.
    “Sister.” Gæierla tugged Catriona’s sleeve. “Can I go see the cats? Why does Uncle Njal want Uncle Torsten to tie Aunt Ainslin to the bed frame?”
    “Methinks ’tis time for your fostering, Gæierla. You may go to the cats, but be back before the sun sets.” When Gæierla turned away, Catriona snatched a handful of the girl’s faded, brown cyrtel. “Your manners?”
    “Beg pardon, Uncle Jarvik, Aunt Elaina, sister.” Gæierla dipped a graceful curtsey. “I take your leave.”
    They all watched as Gæierla took two demure steps. The third turned into a stride and on the fourth, she broke into a sprint. Catriona shook her head. “So many questions and so much energy. I fear she keeps both Ruard and I on our toes.”
    “You worry no more about her memories of the dungeons?” Jarvik asked.
    Catriona half-turned and shook her head. “Jarvik confuses you with his question, I can see that plainly, Elaina. My sister was imprisoned briefly by a villainous earl. Njal rescued her and spoiled her dreadfully on the journey back to our keep. I am cert you will hear the tale told oft, Elaina. Gæierla believes she has the makings of a skald.”
    Catriona rolled her eyes, but smiled. “And the tales of the god, Thor, holds much fascination for her quick mind. She had hoped to marry Thor, then switched to Njal, and, once she met Jarvik, became determined he would be hers.”
    Ah, that explained the little girl’s lament. Elaina could not help but smile. “With your permission, I would have Gæierla meet my babes, Kateri and Kitti. We have lived an isolated life and I fear they need to spend time with other children.”
    “’Tis a brilliant notion, Elaina. For Gæierla will jump at the idea of mothering two babes. She feels most put out that Brom and Rob are not only older than her, but half a head taller. I will arrange that all children spend the morn in the attic. We have set the nursery there.”
    Already Elaina liked Catriona. She was straightforward, looking others directly in the eyes with only honesty and fire in her face and in the way she held herself. “I should like to meet the other children as well and spend some time with them,” Elaina said.
    “I can assure you that I will not miss a chance to show you my son, Finn. But we must get through this eve first. Jarvik, escort Elaina to Deidra’s chamber. The women will come to the hall after the men are seated for the evening meal. I must find Ruard and Magnus. I will see you anon, Elaina, Jarvik.”
    With that Catriona whirled and headed in the direction of the