Page 50 of Her Rogue Viking
“You saved my son.”
“Yes.”
“I should reward you.”
“That is not necessary.”
“I know, so I shall not embarrass either one of us by suggesting it. I do, however, have an offer I wish to make to you.”
“An offer? What offer?”
“I heard what you said to Fiona, about waiting, about watching for an opportunity to regain your freedom. You told her that eventually things change, circumstances alter and that which was previously impossible becomes possible. Was that not the gist of it?”
“Aye, it was along those lines, certainly.”
“I am offering you the change, the possibility.”
Taranc did not respond, merely held his gaze, waiting. Ulfric decided he may as well get straight to the point.
“I will grant you your freedom. Or, more accurately, I will help you to escape.”
Taranc’s eyes widened. The man had evidently not expected this. Ulfric pressed on.
“You spoke of needing a ship to take you back to Scotland, of having no desire to live as a renegade in this land. I will provide such a vessel. You can go home.”
“What about Fiona? She too wishes to return to her home.”
“Fiona is mine, she stays here.” On this Ulfric would brook no argument. He paused, then, “Actually, that is not entirely true. I have granted Fiona her freedom also. She is to be a karl, no longer my property, but she stays with me. You go.”
“Why? If you want rid of me you could simply sell me, or even have me killed. Why this?”
“I do not want rid of you.”
“You want to have Fiona to yourself.”
Ulfric gave a hollow laugh. “I already have her to myself. She cares for you, I know that, but it is different… between us.”
“Do you love her?”
“What?”
“Is my question too difficult, Viking?”
“Of course I do not love her. She is… is…” He shrugged, unable to find words to properly explain the complexity of his feelings for his little Celt.
Taranc smiled, and there was more in his expression than mirth—a knowing, sympathy, and perhaps just a sliver of amusement. “I see. You will have to tell her, eventually, but you need to tell yourself first. You will take care of her? After I am gone?”
“I will, and it is caring for Fiona which drives me to make you this offer. I shall aid you in your escape and make it possible for you to return to your home, but there is one condition.”
“Tell me what it is.”
“You will take my sister with you.”
Taranc chuckled and shook his head. “My apologies, Viking, for I fear I misheard you.”
“You did not mishear, but I shall repeat it anyway. I will help you to regain your freedom, on condition that when you leave here you take Brynhild with you.”
“You are asking me to abduct your sister? Why? Why would you even dream of such a horrendous act?”
