Highlander’s Viking Seductress: Scottish Medieval Highlander Romance Read online

  Within moments, she was in front of him, her hand reaching out to the sword grasped in his hand. She took it from him, tearing it from his clutch and running past him.

  Nei, I will not let you kill him.

  Before Einarr could stop or realize what she was doing, she pushed the sword into his chest, at a weak point between the panels in the leather armour, directly in the center. He faltered, half walking into her blow as she ran at him.

  The blood pooled instantly around the blade. Einarr’s once raised sword hand dropped to his side, letting the weapon fall to the ground. He coughed - a small action that brought blood to the corners of his mouth.

  His eyes turned to her. She knew their meaning; even though he could not speak, he wanted to accuse her of betrayal.

  She pulled the sword back out of his chest, watching as he winced, unable to make a sound.

  “I told you.” Her voice was but a whisper. “You should not have raided Banff.”

  Einarr dropped to his knees, his hand lifted momentarily, as though he would reach for his weapon again, before falling like a tree to the ground, his face hidden in the earth.

  Idunn looked down her sword, for a brief moment, horrified at the sight of the blood. It was not something she ever thought she could do, but she had no choice. Einarr would have killed Gavin, and she could not allow that. The sword came into focus, and she realized what weapon it was.

  My sword.

  The vegvisir was noticeable and glistening in the sunlight, and all doubts vanished. The compass had shown the way once again.

  She turned her head to Gavin. He was stood beside Findlay, both of them staring at the fallen figure of Einarr. Behind them, the battle was continuing, what was left of it.

  Snapping her head back to Einarr, she looked to his belt for the war horn he carried. She reached down and quickly unlatched it, wiping it free of blood before she blew through the mouthpiece. Loud, deep, and resonating, it called the attention of everyone in the yard.

  The fighting stopped; some people froze in their parrying, others jumped away from each other to turn to look at her. Leaping upon the fallen parts of the trebuchet nearby, she addressed the soldiers from both sides.

  “Einarr is dead!” At her roar, there was a ripple amongst the Norse; most lowered their weapons. “Your raid is over. Go home.”

  “Idunn?” It was Signý’s voice. She walked through the crowd, moving to the front of them. “Did you kill him?”

  “I did.” The firm words made Signý and the others look away again, the shock echoing amongst them all. “Listen to me!” Her harsh words forced them to look at her again. “Your raiding of Banff is over. Do not come back again. Or Einarr’s fate awaits whoever returns.”

  “Why?” a warrior’s voice called from the crowd, “Why betray us?”

  “I did not betray you,” Idunn shook her head. “The people here are kind; they do not deserve death just because the Norse want more land. Go home, all of you. Now!” At the barked order, they began to retreat. Some warriors turned and left; others saw the injured, attempting to carry some of them back with them.

  Signý did not move. She kept her feet firmly planted on the ground, her stare fixed on Idunn.

  Idunn jumped down from her place on the trebuchet and walked towards her.

  “He would have killed Gavin, Signý,” she spoke in a low whisper, so only her old friend could hear her. Signý nodded, though she raised her chin a little higher, the old sign of defiance returning.

  “You truly wish to stay here?”

  “I do.” Idunn put her sword in her belt and held out her hand to Signý. “They have given me a good life here, despite the circumstances of it. I do not wish to leave, and I do not want to see the Norse back here again.”

  “I see,” Signý murmured, though she hesitated in holding out her hand.

  “Einarr was not a good man, Signý. You should know that. He left me for dead on Banff beach in the last raid. He could have saved me, and he chose not to.” To Idunn’s words, Signý did not reply. “For old times?” Idunn wriggled the fingers of her hand. She and Signý could never be friends again after what had passed, but she still wished her well, for all the life they had spent together, defending one another.

  Signý relented and grasped her arm. Forearm to forearm, it was the warrior handshake.

  “I wish you well, my old friend.” Signý betrayed the smallest of smiles.

  “And I, you.” Idunn smiled back before releasing her hand, passing her the war horn with it. “Take this. They will need a new leader to see them home.”

  Signý took it from her grasp and turned away. Her red hair bobbing through the crowd as she retreated back to the portcullis.

  “Idunn?” It was Gavin’s voice. Idunn turned to see him. There was blood on his chainmail and on his cheek. Idunn rushed towards him, as he did her. She tossed her helmet to the ground as she neared him. With his arms outstretched, she buried herself into his chest and embrace, nearly knocking him from his feet. “Ye saved me life,” he murmured, as his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

  Idunn felt tears pool in her eyes as she held him close. He could have died at Einarr’s hands. She would not let him go again.

  Taking one hand, Gavin cradled her cheek, a smile spreading across his lips.

  “I thought I sent ye to the Vikin’ camp to keep ye safe.”

  “I am not fond of taking orders,” she relented to a small laugh, “You should know that by now.”

  “Aye, I do.” He laughed too and brought her back to his chest, weaving his hand through the braid of her hair. “Thank god ye are alive, bandia.”

  The relief they were both safe for Idunn was quickly being taken over by fear. The person who had attempted to orchestrate Gavin’s death could be anywhere.

  She pulled away from his embrace again.

  “There is something you and your father must know. Now, we cannot wait.”

  Gavin and Fergus were stood at the side of the castle yard, watching as the soldiers tried to help the injured and collect the dead. Gavin could not take his hands off Idunn. After what had passed, he would not hide what he felt anymore. Her hand was within his grasp as they spoke to his father.

  Beside them stood Kenna. She had returned from the village with the other staff.

  “What is it ye wanted to tell us?” Fergus looked at Idunn, his eyes quickly taking in the way Gavin was clutching her hand. “I can already see me son has been keepin’ some secrets from me.”

  “Idunn saw the Norse this morning, faither,” Gavin attempted to explain. He would not accept Fergus refusing to free her now. He would do everything he could to persuade him.

  “She did?”

  “Aye, she did,” Gavin confirmed, pulling Idunn’s hand so that she stood even closer to him, “She ran back here to warn me they were here. She is the only reason we were prepared for battle.”

  “I see,” Fergus nodded as he ran a hand through his white hair, “Come, let us retreat inside to the keep. I think we have all seen enough bloodshed.”

  As they moved inside, Gavin felt Idunn’s hand grasp him back just as tightly. It seemed she had no wish to let go of him either. As they reached the great hall, Fergus took his customary seat as the others stood in front of him.

  “So,” he turned his eyes to Idunn. “What is it ye wish to tell us?”

  “When I was in the Viking camp, I found this.” She reached inside a pocket within the armour and produced a piece of parchment. “It is from Tadhg, addressed to Einarr.”

  “What?” Gavin snapped his head to her, Einarr’s words coming back to him that he had been betrayed.

  “Tadhg persuaded Einarr to raid Banff again. He offered the village to him, saying Tadhg would not put up resistance, if…” She paused, her blue-green eyes turning to Gavin before they looked back to Fergus. “If he killed Gavin.”

  “This cannae be!” Fergus jumped up and snatched the parchment from her hand. Both Gavin and Kenna moved to Fer
gus’ side so they could read the parchment. Gavin had to read the letter twice, it's meaning not sinking in the first time. In his own brother’s handwriting, it could not be denied.

  Tadhg wanted me dead?

  “I cannae believe this.” He shook his head, walking away from Fergus. Idunn followed him, moving to his side and taking his hands again. “If ye hadnae been there, Idunn.” He shook his head again, unable to wrap his thoughts around what had happened. “I would have been dead at Einarr’s hand.”

  “What happened?” Fergus snapped his gaze up from the parchment to Gavin.

  “She saved me life, faither,” Gavin could not stop the small smile that pulled at his lips. He looked back down to Idunn and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her to him. “She killed Einarr, the Vikin’ leader, and saved me life.”

  Fergus looked between the two of them for a moment, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled for words.

  “It seems ye have true loyalty to me son,” he said to Idunn with a bow of his head, “I daenae ken how I can thank ye for what ye have done.”

  “She protected me too, faither.” Kenna rested a hand on Fergus’ arm, drawing his gaze away. “And the servants, she got them out of the castle to safety.”

  “Me mind is whirrin’ with so many thoughts. I daenae ken what to say.” Fergus clutched his head as though he could stop the whirring. With his other hand, he held tightly to the parchment, crumpling the paper. “Well, I ken one thing to say.” He turned his eyes to Gavin and Idunn. Gavin held her even tighter to his chest. “Well, Vikin’, yer loyalty to me clan and to me son is of the likes I have never seen before.”

  “I love him, my Laird.” Her voice made them all fall silent for a moment. “I vow to always protect him.” Gavin felt his chest tighten at her words.

  “Well. As of this moment, then, ye are free of bein’ our slave.”

  Idunn could not stop the sudden joy that leaped within her heart at this declaration. Gavin held her even tighter, picking her from the floor so she could wrap her arms around his neck. They embraced for many minutes, Idunn unable to abate her happiness.

  I am free. Nei more servitude. Gavin and I…

  “Does that mean?” She leaned back from Gavin, looking at his eyes.

  “Aye, nay more hidin’ in the shadows.” He kissed her, holding her to him so hard that he feared he would hurt her.

  “Aye, put her back on her feet already, laddie,” Fergus laughed, waving at them with a chuckle. Idunn was placed back onto the floor just as the door opened.

  She saw Fergus’s face fall slack, and Gavin’s hands fell still on her waist. She turned to look who had walked in.

  It was Tadhg.

  “Tadhg?!” Fergus’ voice boomed so loudly that Kenna scrambled back from him.

  Tadhg said nothing. He walked into the room, slowly and purposefully, until he reached where they stood.

  “I see ye have had a raid this mornin’.” His manner was nonchalant, as though nothing had taken place.

  “Daenae play innocent with me.” Fergus marched towards him and thrust the letter into his grasp. “Ye are damned by yer own hand. Ye incited a Vikin’ warrior to our shores, to kill our people, for what? For the death of yer own brother.” Tadhg’s hold on the parchment crumpled it further. He snapped his gaze to Idunn and Gavin.

  Idunn felt Gavin make a leap towards him, but she forced him back, standing in front of him and holding him back from attacking his brother.

  “Idunn, let me go.” Gavin’s voice was firm, but she ignored it.

  “You cannot harm him, Gavin.” She made her own words just as stern. “He is the monster who wished to harm his own blood. Do not sink to that.” Gavin looked away from her, down to his feet for a moment.

  “He is the reason so many of our soldiers now lay dead.”

  “So he is.” Fergus snatched the letter back from Tadhg’s hands. Tadhg opened his mouth to speak, but Fergus cut him off. “I daenae want to hear a word from ye!” Tadhg stepped back, his stare dropping down to the floor. “If any other member of this clan showed me such betrayal, I would order their death. Ye have killed our men, but ye are me own son.” Fergus shook his head, evident pain in his countenance. “I cannae kill ye.”

  Fergus walked away for a second, returning to his chair. Once sat, he straightened his spine and placed his hands on the chair arms, once again the imposing Laird of Clan Comyn.

  “Ye are banished.”

  “Banished?” Tadhg asked, leaping forward.

  “Aye, exiled forever. What ye have done is unforgivable. If ye ever return to these lands, ye will be at risk of execution. Is that understood?”

  “Ye cannae do this, ye cannae do this!” Tadhg’s voice raged, a fast stream of curses flowing freely from his mouth.

  “Guards!” Fergus bellowed, and the door opened again as two soldiers hurried forward. “Take Tadhg and throw him out of Clan Comyn. He is to be exiled.”

  “Ye cannae do this to me. I am yer son!”

  “And ye tried to have yer own brother murdered.” Fergus’s voice echoed through the great hall, forcing Tadhg to silence as the guards took his arms. “Take him away.” Tadhg kicked against their hold, fighting them all the way as they dragged him from the room.

  As the door closed on him, Idunn released her hold on Gavin. He finally gave up trying to force his way to Tadhg.

  “You all right?” Idunn raised her hand to Gavin’s face, brushing the wound on his cheek.

  “I am nae sure.” Gavin’s eyes were filled with unshed tears. “Me brother… He…”

  “I daenae ken how to handle this,” Fergus’s words had them all turning to look at them. Fergus was leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. Kenna had moved to his side, resting a hand on his shoulder in comfort. “I feel like someone has just ripped out me guts.”

  He shook his head again, then turned his eyes to Idunn and Gavin.

  “Well, what the disasters of the past have taught me is that we must look to the good, nae the bad.” He smiled as he stood, keeping his eyes on his son, Gavin. “I have just lost one person in me family, and I was at risk of losin’ another today.” It was a sad smile as he appraised Gavin. “I would quite like to take another person into our family bosom.”

  Idunn frowned in confusion, unable to follow what he was saying.

  “If ye wish to marry yer Vikin’ warrior, laddie, I give ye me blessin’.”

  Idunn could barely get her mind around the words before Gavin had his arms on her waist and was lifting her from the floor again.

  “Say ye’ll marry me, bandia.”

  Idunn looked between Gavin and Fergus, who was stood holding Kenna’s hand, watching her closely. She had lost her old kin, but here was a new family wanting her to be part of theirs. She looked back to Gavin, amazed at the sheer capacity of her love for him. Wrapping her arms around his neck with a smile, she was certain of her answer.

  “Já.”

  Epilogue

  Idunn clutched Gavin’s arm as they stepped out of the church. In response, the pipers struck up their playing, and there was a huge roar of applause. They paused in the doorway, looking around at the people of Banff. Idunn looked up to Gavin at her side, dressed in plaid; he already appeared the Laird of Clan Comyn.

  On his other side, Fergus stood, clapping his shoulder with pride and a great smile across his cheeks.

  Idunn felt someone clasping her other arm and turned to see Kenna standing beside her, offering to take the bundle of herbs she was carrying for good luck.

  “How do ye feel, sister?” Kenna asked with glee, as she squeezed Idunn’s hand.

  “I cannot describe it,” she laughed, feeling the happiness bubbling out of her. She looked back to Gavin, who was looking down at her.

  We are married.

  Around them, the crowd began to chant, urging for a kiss. Gavin shot them but a brief glance before he lowered his lips to hers. A joyful cheer broke out, with people clapping. Idunn lost her
self in the kiss for a moment until Gavin pulled away and dropped a simple kiss on her forehead. She clutched at his arm, dreaming of the moment they would be alone again, just the two of them.

  As the pipers began their tune, they carved a path through the crowd. As per the custom, Gavin and Idunn followed behind. She saw Findlay and the other soldiers amongst the mass before she found her friends, Annas and Besseta. Reaching out toward them, she briefly clasped their hands before she was led up the path toward the castle.

  She and Gavin would follow the pipers all the way back, with their friends following behind them. The great hall was decorated, waiting for them to arrive back to begin the celebrations, starting with a great feast.