"Yes. I appreciate that you might consider that we Vikings set little store by such niceties, and I do understand where that sentiment comes from. A Viking raid is never a pretty affair and whilst I do not personally care for needless violence against those who are defenceless I am aware that the women we conquer do not always fare well. But be under no illusion, here, in our homes, within our own community, we will not tolerate such lawlessness. I am chief here. It is my responsibility to maintain order, to mete out discipline and justice. Edyth is but a slave, but she belongs to me and must be protected also. She is entitled to expect no less. Had Ferris laid hands on a Viking karl, or even a woman of the Jarl, I would have hanged him, have no doubt on that. His plotting to murder me would merit his death, but I would have to call upon you to bear witness to it.” Her rapid head-shake was not unexpected, and he resigned himself to the course he had already set out. “Very well then. One slave attacking another, this is less serious in Viking law but not without consequences. Ferris shall receive every one of his twenty lashes this time. They are well-deserved. Following his punishment he will be taken to Hafrsfjord and sold. I will not have him here, endangering the women of Gunnarsholm. Or me for that matter, since I doubt his hatred will abate as a result of what I plan for him. His new master will be informed of his crime, and can take such precautions as he sees fit."
"Where will Ferris end up?"
"My guess? As an oar-slave on a dragon ship. He will have no further opportunity to molest women or plot against his master."
"That... that sounds like a hard life."
"Yes, and invariably a short one, too. The dangers are extreme. He has brought this on himself though, and I want you to understand why I must deal with him harshly. I hope that you can agree with my decision, despite your having sought to protect him from a whipping all these months, but I must tell you, it is final."
Mairead met his gaze, her own expression steady. "Good. I am deeply sorry I kept his secrets."
She would be, he promised himself.
"Good? You are at ease with all of this then?"
"I under-estimated him, did not take seriously the danger he presented and Edyth was hurt. I now realise that he would have hurt me if he could, if he ever had a chance. You too. He cannot stay here and… and I know you must make an example of him. I... will you insist that I watch the whipping?"
"Under Viking law a trial is always public, and so is the punishment for a crime. I could add the charges you have made, his threats to you, his conspiring to murder me, but I prefer not to. I see no merit in giving his deranged ideas more credence that is absolutely necessary, and neither do I wish to insist that you bear witness. Unless you want to?”
She shook her head again.
“Very well. Just the attempted rape, then. All may witness the proceedings, but I will not compel you to do so. Nor Donald."
"Thank you. I prefer not to. When will it...?"
"Soon. As soon as Edyth is sufficiently recovered to accuse Ferris. There is enough evidence against him with just the testimony of Weylin and Steinn, and I myself saw her injuries. But the victim is entitled to see justice done so I shall delay until Edyth is ready."
"I see. And, Edyth is sleeping now, you say."
"Yes, that is right."
"She is not in danger? She has no need of my assistance at this moment?"
"I think not."
"Then we have a little time to ourselves. There is no pressing rush to get on with matters."
Gunnar tilted his head to one side, considering her statement. "No pressing rush, as far as I am aware."
"In that case, it would be a pity to waste this rare opportunity to take advantage of the waters. I... I would like to atone for my earlier ill-chosen words, and for… everything else."
"You intend to drape yourself across my lap then, and offer up your beautiful bottom for suitable punishment? Perhaps I should seek out a bundle of switches."
"Yes, if you wish me to. I deserve no less. But I was thinking rather of an act of worship."
"Worship?" He furrowed his brow. "What do you?—?"
He was silenced by the grip of her small hand around his solid cock. His balls contracted and his shaft lurched in her fist.
"My husband, if you would perhaps lift yourself up a little, perhaps be seated on the edge of the pool...?"
"Ah." He could find no objection to her suggestion and soon adjusted his position accordingly. His cock jutted straight up, droplets of moisture already dribbling from the tip. As he watched, Mairead rubbed the pad of her thumb around the crown, spreading the wetness about. She moved closer and knelt before him in the pool, his erection at eye level to her. With a slow smile she tilted her head back to look up at him. The naughty little wench actually licked her lips...
"Mairead, I... oh, fuck..." He let out an oath as she opened her mouth and took his cock between her lips. He closed his eyes, leaned back on his hands and allowed his head to drop back, savouring the sensations as her tongue curled around the smooth head, then traced the ridge on the underside.Encouraged, she lifted herself higher and inched more of his cock into the wet warmth of her mouth. Her teeth grazed his shaft, her tongue lapped at his head, her cheeks hollowed as she applied just a little suction.
"Wife, you will be the death of me," he warned, without conviction.
Her response was a low hum which sent delicious tingles the length of his erection.By Thor's balls, where did she learn such a trick?
