The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

In the year of our Lord 1212, legend, has it, Orkney Islands hold mystical secrets and magical powers close to their breasts. Sixty seven islands in all, that seems to have a life of their own. An energy of wisdom is shared perhaps . . . by chance, merely . . . stumbled upon by the unsuspecting at the right place at the right moment. Could it be a turn of fate deliberate in nature or ancient wisdoms knowledge shared with few? However it is bestowed, you can be sure of where magic, mystic and Fae goes one the others can be found. Orkney Islands were also known for their location and trading. Being centered between many coastlines made the Islands a mandatory stop for some ships to replenish dwindling stocks and trade their wares from distant lands. Material, spices, herbs, swords and other more modern utensils drew crowds of peoples from every corner. What drew the Norsemen of the longboat Reinen, known as the fastest boat on the seas, to Orkney this particular day was the trading or so they thought. You see a viking was something the Norsemen did, not something they were. To go a viking was to challenge another to a fight, whoever won the fight kept the goods, treasure and wares. So a viking was imperative to gain honor and increase their status among the Norse people and their King. The Orkney Islands were to be their midway point for their trading this journey home. Rumors had reached the King of Norway, who had heard the Islands were being used as a center point of most tradesmen with wares. However, the myth of magic kept several fearful cultures away. In the Kings eyes a close
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central trading point meant more profit and exposure to selling their own goods, with that in mind he commissioned the Reinen to find the truth. Of the men on the Reinen were thirteen warriors known as the Arn Laugr meaning eagles vow. Renowned for their strength, speed, agility but mostly their precision wielding a sword their number of thirteen made them legendary in their own right. Unknown to them that they were of Fae blood and up till now . . . the magic had laid dormant, unknown to them . . . never waking; only surfacing itself in a twilight sleep, with moments of stirring strange feelings, thoughts and knowledge only to disappear upon awaking. The Reinen docked on the Mainland Island, the biggest island in Orkney, mid noon on the March equinox. They had been a Viking and trading for eight of their thirteen moon calendar. Fully loaded with wares and the want to feel the earth beneath their feet for more than a few days the men were anxious to take their leave of the ship; even the war horses were restless in their stalls. Gunnarr was the third youngest of the thirteen who seemed to take a lot of flak from the elder warriors, all in jest of course. He had been with them for twenty eight moons. He signed on with the Arn Laugr after losing the mate Mara he was deemed to marry and most of his family to a known Clan who came and waged war on their shores, which spilled into their village. Filled with a vengeful rage he spent hours a day in the lists, honing his skill at wielding a sword preparing to avenge their deaths, day by day gaining strength and clever skills he was becoming known in the lists as a dangerous

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

advisory. One afternoon Halldarr, who at the time was Arn Laugrs best swordsman, came to the lists for a workout and practice, crossed swords with Gunnarr and was promptly bested. Halldarr recruited Gunnarr without hesitation, knowing he would become one of Arn Laugrs finest. Gunnarr knew of the men who stormed his village, it was merely time before he crossed their paths, and the Reinen would improve those odds greatly for him. Gunnarr was the first off the longboat, leading his war horse Dogr. War horses were especially bred for size, endurance and the ability to carry weight, specifically the mammoth men that rode them. Gunnarr and his war horse Dogr had been cooped up on the Reinen for a week of sailing. Gunnarr was going to take him and stretch him out a bit. Dogr ran hard and free for long distances, spirited from a colt, Gunnarr gave him the reins till he wore himself out. He rode in to a field of flowers that reminded him of Mara, he reminisced of the last ride they took on Dogr. She rode in his lap making their way to a favorite picnic spot in a field of flowers, much the same as these. Maras bubbly humor made him laugh. Her long auburn hair always neatly braided down her back past her waist by a foot and she often tickled his face with the end of her braid when they road. Bright emerald green eyes would light up when she talked, always talking with her hands and they seemed so delicate in comparison to his huge hands. Gunnarr missed the warmth of touching.
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Kindling a lustful fire in Maras eyes as she melted against his kiss was a favorite thing of his to do. In his daydreaming he had ridden into the middle of a ring of twelve very large stones Dogr stopped. As he dismounted he felt a cool glowing vibration growing through his body. Dogr whinnied feeling the same strange pulsation. Gunner blew out a breath as his feet hit the ground he said My prayer, Dogr, is that I could have the love of me life in front of me now. Large bolts of electricity bounced from stone to stone until all twelve stones were glowing of a violet blue light. Gunnarr turned to look around him as the bolts shot from each pillar until they joined above his head in a facet of pulsating light, standing every hair on his body on end. With a loud crack the facet above his head opened and a naked young woman slowly hovered to the ground in front of him surrounded by pulsating violet blue light. Large and small sparks bouncing erratically from its edges. Gunnarr sprinted toward the woman lying curled on her side, the crackling and pulsating light persisted. Hesitating but a moment Gunnarr reached through the light grabbing on to the young woman, suddenly the manifestations disappeared. Gunnarr gently picked the young woman up as though she was fragile glass, her eyes were closed, and her body, limp but she was breathing. He looked around to see if anyone had seen the spectacular event. No one, no one would believe this without seeing it either. Where had she come from? Why had she

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

come? He carried her to Dogr and pulled off the roll up woven blanket tied to his saddle; he wrapped her in it; tenderly laid her over Dogr and swung up behind her taking her in to his lap. Putting her head in the crook of his arm he studied her face then softly pushed the short curly blonde hair back from her cheeks. Gunnarr gave Dogr a nudge in the flanks and Dogr shot into a fast run heading back to the Village. When he got to the main longhouse, he carried her in and a young woman came rushing up to him. Gunnarr growled, Find help now. The young woman scurried away. Halldarr sitting at a table stood and yelled out to him, he carried her over and sat down with her in his arms tight. Halldarr leaned over the table to get a better look at the bundle only able to see her face he said, Hell and damnation man, what did ye do to the lass? Gunnarr shocked Halldarr would think he had done anything barked back, Nye, did I do anything to her. She fell . . . Halldarr impatiently asked, Where did ye get her? Halldarr started at Gunnarr in the eyes seeing the puzzled look on his face Halldarr spouted, Well, she didnt just fall out of the sky. How did ye come by her? Gunnarr surprised the words came out of Halldarrs mouth, and snapped his gaping mouth shut thinking better than of telling the truth whole . . . she did fall out of the sky, point in fact . . . naked then said, She fell on the ground in front of me when I was riding. That part was true at least. The young woman who had met him at the door was back with an elderly
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woman who simply stated, Bring her along. Gunnarr asked, Do ye know this young woman? The elderly woman stated, Ive never seen her before and I know everyone in these parts. She led him to a long room where a fire burned in a fireplace at the end of the room. A table with two benches to the left of the room and a bed to the right, he gently laid the young woman down on the bed. The elderly woman asked, What happened to her? Gunnarrs emerald eyes were wide as he spoke, I dont know she fell in front of me while I was riding. The elderly woman pulled back the blanket and gasped looking at Gunnarr angrily said, Naked? What have ye done to the poor lass? Gunnarr appalled spouted, Nye, I did nothing to the lass. The elderly woman said, Out with ye then. The moment he was told to leave he felt possessive to the point of being irritated, as if the woman were his lifelong mate on her death bed. He was not leaving her; he growled back at the old woman, Nye, I stay! motioning for her to continue her exam. Find what ails her; then bring food for her. Gunnarr stormed to the door and yelled for Halldarr. As Halldarr came rushing to the door, Gunnarr said gruffly, See to me Dogr, Ill be stayin here for the night. Halldarr stared at Gunnarr a moment, raised his eyebrows surprised at Gunnarrs anger and a nod followed. Gunnarr took off his sword and laid it across the table, then stood at the end of the bed as the woman finished checking her over and finally said, I can find nothing wrong with her. If shes hit her head there is nye to show for it. Nye blood, nye swelling, bump or bruises. Nye a scratch, we shall have to wait it

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

out. Gunnarr nodded his thanks with a stern look. On her way out she said, Ill have some mead and food brought with some fresh water, stop in the morning and pay me. Gunnarr gratefully said, Thank you that I will then. Gunnarr walked over and sat down on the bed next to the young woman. He took her hand in his; it was so small and delicate looking. He smoothed her short curly hair through his fingers, judging the length, and then pushed it back out of her face. He felt stimulating sensual sensations rising in him as he touched her. She was stunningly beautiful. Her lips were full; he softly ran a finger over them. He glanced down her body, taking stock of her curves and frame. The sight and the touch of her were attacking his senses. He leaned down and took in a deep breath of her essence. Passions fire had ignited, beginning to burn out of control. Why . . . do you stir and possess me so lass? He said aloud as he turned her hand over and rubbed her tiny palm with his thumb. He went to pull the covers up higher on her chest covering the wee bit of full plump breast showing. In doing so the top of his fingers rubbed against her breast. He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath through his teeth with the intense rush of craving shooting through his body filling his desire. Feeling himself harden and throb, his eyes shot open and he stood up saying out loud, For all that is holy, what . . . am I becoming a barbarian wanting to take a sick woman? Gunnarr blew out a blast of air appalled at himself, brought the bench from the table to the bed and sat it down by the roof brace. He sat down and leaned
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back on the brace and straddled the bench. A girl knocked at the door then entered arms full. She brought the bowl of water with the rag and sat it down between Gunnarrs legs, sat the mug of mead next to that and the food on the table then left. Gunnarr wrung out the rag and wiped the young womans face, neck, her upper chest and arms as if she was fragile. He kept this up through the evening into the night and wee hours of the morning. As he touched her thoughts and pictures flashed into his mind. He was seeing her in another time not recognizable to him. Things he had never seen before, fantastic things. He noticed every time he touched her, he could see into her, was it memories? He tried not to touch her with his hands only the rag, nothing happened. Then he tried again touching her skin, again and again the flashes. As he would wipe her face this last time her eyes opened slowly and blinked as if trying to find her thoughts. Then her eyes got big and she sat up nearly face to face with Gunnarr the blanket fell exposing two beautiful full round perky breasts. Gunnarr could not help but stare. She yelped as she scrambled to cover herself, screaming appalled, What . . ., who . . ., where . . . Seeing her unease and shock of the situation Gunnarr tried to sooth her. His deep calm voice he said, Easy now, you are safe. My name is Gunnarr and I found you and brought you here. What happened to ye, before I found ye? She squinted her big blue eyes and said appalled, What have you done with my clothes? Gunnarr eyes opened wide, Ye had nye on. She tightened her lips and spouted, Of course I did, Hiking boots, back pack you know all the

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

essentials needed to hike. You think I am accustomed to running around the country naked? Gunnarr hid his smile and asked, "What is a back pack? She huffed and started to get up and got dizzy, he grabbed her before she fell. Lifting her into his arms laid her tenderly back down on the bed as he had before. She managed embarrassed, Thank you. She looked around at her surroundings then asked, This seems so real. Is this a new attraction, I thought I had read about all of the ones in this area? Like the traveling renaissance festival back home, it moves around the country? Gunnarr chuckled with a Greek to me look on his face and asked, Attraction, what is that? She tilted her head and looked at Gunnarr thinking out loud she said, OK, let me think a minute. I was hiking in Orkney, on Mainland Island; I went to see the Ring of Brodgar which was a hike to get to. Then this electrical storm started, lightening was jumping around all over the place. I felt like I was being lifted up and hurled somewhere. She paused, thinking. Gunnarr said, You fell on the ground in front of me from the sky. I wrapped you in that blanket and brought you here. He pointed as he spoke pointing to the sky, to the floor and then to the blanket then gestured around the room. Her eyes followed his hand movements around the room, in thought. Then she continued, OK, where is here? As she waited for his answer she noticed how over muscular his shoulders and chest were and how strong and thick his arms were, not like a normal man. How his long hair with braids on the sides suited his face. His eyes, then she said out loud sensually admiring him without

realizing, Oh, my you are the best eye candy I have ever seen in my life. Gunnarr chuckled and asked, What is eye candy? Embarrassed she said brushing the air away with her hand, Oh you know . . . nice to look at. She was red faced and fumbling terribly with her words. Gunnarr pushed out his chest a bit and said, Aye, ye like how I look then? . . . Would ye like some mead? He handed the mug to her. She looked surprised and said, Mead? . . . Do you have any water? Gunnarr smiled then said, I will have some brought for ye. She was staring at his pants, and then glanced to his smile then back to his pants then to his smile again. Feeling the tingling heat between her legs as she sized up how large he must be through his pants, she waved the mug toward her and said, I better have the mead. Took the mug and slugged several gulps down and started choking and coughing. She covered her mouth with her forearm almost spilling the mead from the mug. Gunnarr grabbed the mug, covering his grin by clenching his jar and asking, Do ye have a name Lass? Again her mouth dropped open, surprised how he asked the question. Tightening her lips together indignant with sarcasm she said, Yes . . . I was born with one . . . my parents named me Heather. Gunnarr repeated her name, Heather, that suits ye . . . What happened to ye hair Heather? Heather grabbed her head with both hands feeling her hair like it had fallen out shouting, Whats wrong with my hair? Do you have a mirror? Gunnarr chuckled at her frantic search for something wrong. He rephrased, Nothing is

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

wrong, why is it so short? . . . You must be hungry. Gunnarr went to the table and brought back a large bowl with dried meat, cheese and bread. Their hands rubbed against each other in the handoff of the wooden bowl they quickly exchanged looks as the jolt was felt by both of them. Trying to ignore her attraction to him she slipped a small piece of meat in her mouth staring past Gunnarr thinking. Gunnarr sat down straddling the bench by the bed. She asked, What did you mean when you said I fell out of the sky? Did you mean literally? They were staring into each others eyes. His answer gave her a startle she jumped. His voice was low and defending, Aye, I meant ye fell from the sky, naked, surrounded by violet blue light, right in front of me. He gestured to the ceiling then the floor. Her eyes followed his gestures. She looked him point blank in the face blinking several times in disbelief before she shook her head then stated, No . . . nobody falls out of the sky. I am a scientist of ancient history and physics I know that there is an element of probability here . . . She stopped mid-sentence mouth open tilted her head to the side considering the idea again then stated, Right . . . listen . . . I seem to be having a momentary loss of memory. Where am I exactly? Once again he frowned in thought and was looking at her as if she were speaking Greek then he said, Orkney on Mainland Island, we shored here mid noon yesterday. Her eye brows popped up, Excuse me . . . We did you say? Who is we? . . . Me and you we? You and your site seeing tour group . . . your Renaissance troupe . . . Would you mind defining we for me; I am not clear on that at the
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moment. She stared at him pushing her head forward a bit and blinked several times waiting for an answer. She was speaking Greek again, his frown of thought came back clear in his face, he was working the problem in his mind, but she was sure he didnt understand what she had just said. She thought for a moment and tried another approach nodded her head and said, OK look . . . go get me some clothes and I will do the rest ok? Please. Gunnarr nodded, raised the blanket at her feet, sizing her feet with his hand, Heather grabbed the top of the blanket with both hands holding it tight to her chin, peering down at what he was doing. He then grabbed his sword from the table slung it to his back and left the room. Heather was shocked not just the fact he had a sword but the sheer size of it was almost as tall as she was, even if it was a prop of some sort the size must have made it heavy, and he grabbed it like a pencil from the table. Ok I must be hallucinating . . . a delusional dream is more likely. Looking around the room trying to fit the picture of this room anywhere, somewhere she must have seen it before. You know how dreams are they throw things that you have never seen in along with people you have never seen or met their suddenly your husband. She felt her head for a bump, no bump. Ok are my eyes focusing, yep I can see clearly. This has got to be a vivid dream finishing her thoughts. A knock at the door and it opened he had returned with clothes. What . . . a long tunic, a side less surcote, a cloak, a pair of soft leather shoes and a bone

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comb. She looked at him with a tight mouth, not recognizing anything but the comb and shoes keeping her dignity she took the clothes and said, Thank you and now if you would please be so kind as to leave the room, I can handle the rest . . . Thank you very much. He nodded with a bit of a bow and stated, I wait outside the door for ye. She said waving her hand, Sure, sure if it makes you happy. The moment the door closed she began talking to herself out loud; looking around the room and trying to identify anything and figure out how to wear the clothes he just brought her. For Heavens sake . . . These are not clothes. There is something so wrong with this picture, on soooo many levels. Why would he bring me these kinds of clothes? These clothes have got to be from a costume department and Gunnarr must be a foreigner with limited English. Well I have to wear something, these will have to do for now. Come on Heather girl your smart, which of these go on first? Holding the side less surcote, she decided that went on top and put the tunic on first, then the other over that. She dressed as quickly as she could. Comb through the hair, she brushed down the front of the long dress and brushed a hand through her hair and opened the door. Smiling and cheerfully said, Im ready. Gunnarr was leaning against the wall with his arms folded, raised an eyebrow chuckling, turned her around giving her a once over, smiled wide and softly pushed her back into the room stating, Ye have the surcote on wrong. She sarcastically said, Of course I do. He pulled it up over her head, straightened

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it out and then put it back over her head again correctly, fastened it up, then spun her around to face him. He bent to her neck breathing in her smell again. Smiling placed his hands on her cheeks leaned down and rubbed her lips affectionately with his then pressed his lips slightly over hers sucking softly. Sensual excitement pinged through her. She moaned into his mouth and felt is tongue on her lips, she opened her mouth to take him in. Their tongues warm softly danced intimately. Her center throbbed and tinkled with intensity she let out a long groan vibrating their mouths. He tasted like sweet honey mead and smelled like pure man, fresh air and woods, she nearly came undone. He placed a hand on the small of her back and rubbed her against his hard evidence, showing her how she affected him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight, pressing her breasts into his chest. He growled into her mouth, moving his hand from her cheek to the back of her neck tilting her head he deepened the kiss with more possessive passion. Heathers heart was beating in her ears with her breathing increasing; she pulled closer her mewing sounds pumped more blood into his desire now aching with need. Knowing from experience when fore play was over he broke the kiss staring down at her with dilated eyes breathing heavy. Her eyes were closed waiting for more of what comes next, he bit back a smile and clinched his teeth and whispered by her ear, Where do ye be needin to go Heather? Eyes closed she licked her lips and was panting as moisture gathered in lusty pools around her downy treasure. She had never been kissed with such erupting passion

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

before. Her eyes slowly opened on a sigh realizing it was over, swaying a bit, she took a moment to compose herself, placed her forehead on his chest took a deep breath, lifted her head and said, Really, Right . . . moments gone . . . The ticketing office . . . you can take me to the ticketing office, I am sure they will have a telephone I can use to call a taxi back to my hotel. Maybe we should exchange cell phone numbers in case you want to go out sometime soon I am only going to be here a couple more weeks. Then I can return your clothes too. Heather could see the wheels turning in Gunnarrs frowning thinking eyes again, Greek language again. Heather continued, Ok come with me, well find it. With red heated cheeks Heather pushed past Gunnarr and walked into the great hall of the longhouse. She looked around in awe and said, These props are so authentic they look so real. Makes you feel like you are back in medieval times, doesnt it? This is great. You know, I saw drawings just like this in one of my ancient history books. Gunnarr grabbed Heathers arm softly and said, I must pay the old woman, Ill be back. Heather nodded and said You know I bet they used that book as a mock up to build this. Heather still in awe of the size and look of the building said softly, OK Ill be right outside. Gunnarr looked Heather in the eyes with a nod of understanding went to pay the old woman. Heather had a passing thought as he walked away, he must have borrowed lunch money till he could
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hit the ATM machine, as she looked around the room searching for one. No it would look to modern for medieval times; still I would at least put one in the gift store. Heather looked again for a gift store or a sign pointing to one. She went to the oversized door placed both hands on the door and pushed it open walking outside. The twelfth century hit her head on, there in what seemed to be acre after acre, rows upon rows of longhouses, women, children and warriors on war horses with swords like Gunnarrs strapped to their backs. Heather was memorized. Gunnarr came out put his hand on the small of her back, walked around to face her and said, Ye dont look so well Lass would ye be wanting to lay down again? Heather looked up at Gunnarr and replied with excitement, This is the best movie set I have ever seen. Why didnt you tell me you were in a movie? I would have loved to seen the sets used in the Gladiator, did you ever see that movie? You know this really transports you, gives a surreal feeling of really being there. Amazing! Gunnarr was grinning staring at her said, Ye please me Lass. Heather smiled back, replied with a snicker, Well . . . thats good to know. There in the early morning sun light they had a good look at each other. Gunnarr was six foot five inches tall, broad muscular chest, shoulders and arms; he had dark curly hair on his chest too. Heather started noticing everything about him. She glanced back to his dilated emerald green eyes now shinning with want staring at her.

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

He pulled her to him, once again rubbing her against his desire. He bent to kiss her only this kiss was a kiss of barely controlled possession of having and keeping. Heather melted into his kiss, their tongues danced, stronger and faster. Breasts heaving with her breathless passion shaking her all over she pulled away, she thought damn it that moisture again that gathered between her legs told her he could take her to ecstasy which she had never been before, ever. She stepped back fighting for a clear head she said. Listen you cant just kiss me whenever you feel like it you know, even if I do like it. Gunnarr had decided then and there he was going to claim her. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, she was funny, a bit daft in her speech perhaps, but she pleased him, even with her short curly hair. Gunnarr squinted his eyes in a scowl and replied, Aye I can, I will and I will have you and you will have me. She glared right back at him with tight lips and what started out in a low tone ended in a loud scream. Well! Of all the nerve! Who do you think you are? Assuming I would jump right into bed with you. We havent even had our first date yet. You . . . you . . . assuming over grown baboon. Then she turned and stormed away. Gunnarr grinned ear to ear; she had lots of spirit, which to him meant their coupling would be passionate. Aye, he thought she would make a fine mate. Heather stormed away with her tight clinched fists by her side. Gunnarr laughed thinking strong willed and tempered; she will do nicely, even though

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he didnt know what the hell she was saying most of the time that could come later. He followed behind her a few paces. She stopped a woman in the yard and asked, Do you have a phone I could possibly use? The woman looked at her then at Gunnarr then walked away. She turned to see what the woman had looked at and there right behind her was Gunnarr, she instantly got angry. Now look what youve done! You have scared her off. Stop following me. Gunnarr took her by the upper arms and pulled her close. Close enough he rubbed his lips to hers and whispered, Do I scare you? She pulled away with her lips pressed in anger and shouted, No, you big Gladiator, you dont scare me one bit! Gunnarr released her with a proud smile and said, Ye think me a Gladiator? Heather in her frustration could only manage, Ooohhhh! and stomped off to the main gate of the longhouse village. Gunnarr decided he would not let her out of his sight, but, he would keep his distance, allowing her time to get used to the idea of his claim on her. He would rather a peaceful union, but as a warrior he would have her either way. But he WOULD have her. Heather was five foot nine inches tall mostly all legs, strong muscular body, which to Gunnarr means strong bairns. Since he had gone into the circle of stones he felt a strange sensation of gaining strength, and an overwhelming pull toward Heather and there was the other thing of flashing pictures and thoughts every time he touched Heather. Not that he had touched anyone else for that matter except the old woman, when he passed her the money and

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

touched her hand his thoughts filled with images of the old womans life. What is this new sense pulsing through him? It was magic that brought Heather here. He knew that, listening to the legends around camp fires describing something much the same as what happened with him and Heather in the circle of stones. He had heard of it but up till now never seen it firsthand. She was from another place far distant then anything he had ever seen from the images he had when he touched her. Her speaking was nothing like he had ever heard and he had been to the far reaches of foreign places on the Reinen trading goods. Heather was still storming around trying to find some shred of civilization as she knew it. She was walking well away from the village, hoping to find a parking lot, bus stop, phone even electrical line she could follow. Nothing she crested the hill and stopped and looked behind her, yep he was still following her damn it! But he was an Adonis to look at. Stop it Heather, he might be carrying that sword to lop off your head and leave you for dead. OK that is too much information. Heather looked around the island, it looked like it could be Mainland, and the adjacent islands look the same. Something is missing. Missing . . . Looking around she noticed everything modern was missing. Not a fence, a paved road, no air plane trails in the sky, no towers, no electrical lines not even a fire hydrant. Everything modern was missing. Like Orkney was a virgin again, clean as a whistle, before civilization took over.
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Oh think Heather. She pushed her fingers to her temples. What is the last thing you remember? She placed her hands on her hips and paced, kicking at the ground. OK . . . I remember the hike to the Ring of Brodgar. I was in the center of the stones squatting down prying up a saucer sized piece of stone with a round symbol on it. The electrical storm started hitting the stones, even the downed stones. Heather looked up at the sky above her. Oh God . . . It felt like I was lifted, no hovering above. Flying? No . . . hurling through space is a better description. I remember my clothes disintegrating. She ran her hands down the front of her dress. Gunnarrs eyes when I woke up. O.M.G, no . . . no way. Heather lowered her head and bent in half trying to breathe. OK breathe . . . keep breathing . . . being of a scientific mind it is possible. Just . . . not very probable damn it. She started pacing, then stopped and sat down on the ground right where she stood. With tight lips she looked toward Gunnarr, who was standing a ways away watching her. Seeing her sit, Gunnarr figured she had come to accept his claim on her. He walked up slowly, strong within himself. He reached his hand out for her to take. She accepted and he pulled her to him, only this time his hands moved to her bottom which his hands covered like a pair of tight fitting jeans. He cupped her head with his left hand and pulled her to his chest. She looked up with resolve still working at her problem. She placed her hands on his chest and through the opening in his shirt started twirling the hair on his chest with

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her fingers. She looked into his eyes and asked, A . . . What year is this Gunnarr? Puzzled frown was back, Gunnarr answered, The year of our Lord 1212. She repeated what he had said with sarcastic lampoon, Sure, it is 1212. Why not, I knew that. Lifting her hands up and dropping them to her sides. Gunnarr then knew she was struggling hard with what had happened to her. She was brave, very brave. She was not crying or throwing a fit. He admired her immensely for her courage and her ability to keep it together. He figured not many women, if any, would handle it as well as she was. Gunnarr was so completely taken by her. He leaned down and kissed her. Picking her up like she was a feather one hand holding her by her bottom the other around her waist she straddled him wrapping her legs around his waist. He inched her dress up and slid his hand on to her bare bottom easing his hand into her downy folds, finding her treasure. His large fingers were so gentle parting her lips and seizing her pearl, his fingers ignited her lust which had been just below her surface. She grabbed around his thick neck squeezing. Mewing sounds escaped her throat and filled his mouth. He growled as the in rush of want and need flooded his body with sensations as her excitement was intensifying. Gunnarr pumped and rubbed his hard desire against her. Knowing she was gaining momentum with sensation attacking her from his touch, her pearl hardening, his hand became wetter. He could smell her excited essence; it was pushing
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him to the edge of his control. She was trembling with passion, tense for her release. He was softly sucking her tongue. Then he broke the kiss pushed his head into her neck and suckled, biting and kissing his way to her shoulder. Moving the tunic with his teeth to expose her shoulder, he sucked hard on her shoulder and tenderly inserted his finger inside. She tightened around it, he growled out, You excite me so Lass, ye beauty, ye taste, and ye smell, I am drunk with them. Give it to me Heather, give me ye pleasure. That was exactly what she needed. She was experiencing something she had never felt before. Her body was so alive for the first time, feeling every intimate swirl and movement of his fingers bringing new sensations. The overwhelming needs to feel more, and more, his fingers moved inside and out in unison. Gunnarr was giving more. Her need for more spiraling higher took him with her. He was about to lose his control. He could no longer hold himself off; he buried his face into her neck as his own intensity met its release when he felt her maiden head still intact, his knees buckled his shout vibrated into her neck, then his fingers and hand uncontrollably squeezing her harder causing her exploding release to become ecstasy. Thousands of intense sensations flooded her body at once. It filled every nerve of her body with unexplained feelings with Gunnarr controlling it. After Gunnarr fell to his knees he still held Heather tight. Breathless she laid her head on his chest and released her grip from his neck. Gunnarr gentled

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

her moving his fingers slowly to prolong her sensations then softly removed his hand and fell to his back holding her to him. He blew out a sigh and said, I have never felt pleasured so thoroughly. She lifted her head to look at him in disbelief and said, How can you say that I did not do a thing for you. I couldnt do nothing but feel what you were doing to me. Gunnarr laughed with pride and squeezed her and said, I have pleasured you well and good then? As you have taken my mind and soul this day bonny Heather without touching me. Heather giggled and said, Had I known it felt this good I would have become the neighborhood nymph. She teased. Gunnarr looked down at her and asked, What is a nymph? Heather rolled her eyes and said, Lets just say, I am more agreeable to the idea of kissing you whenever you want to be kissed. Gunnarr chuckled deep asking, I pleasured you first and best then? Heather sat up straddling him looking him face to face, eye to eye and said almost shouting, O.M.G. How do you know? . . . Gunnarr grinned ear to ear and said, Aye, I know Love. That is when I spilled my seed, when I felt your maiden head intact. She started to get up. He grabbed her thighs holding her in place and added, Mine to take, no other. His voice was low and lethal, his eyes burned into hers. She pushed off his chest and stood up, he let her. She shook her head no and said, You know . . . not that I would not want you to be the one to take it. But you could have gone all day without saying that. What is it with guys, you have one intimate moment and they think they own you, lock stock and

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barrel. Gunnarr leaned up on one arm and smiled mischievously adding, I will have ye and ye damn well will have me bonny Heather. Tired and exasperated Heather gave up the debate and waving him away with her hand said, Fine . . . OK! If it pleases you . . . not like I am selling super bowl tickets or anything. Gunnarr said in victory as he lay back down in the grass putting his hands behind his head smiling ear to ear, Aye Lass it does. It pleasures me vera much. Heather thinking a moment, smiled and said, Will you do something that is very important to me in trade? standing right above him. Gunnarr stared up at her, squinting his eyes studying her for an untrusting moment and replied, What is it ye would have of me Heather? Heather grinned and answered, You are willing to negotiate, and this is a good thing. He raised one brow, she continued, Will you take me to where you found me? she waited for his answer as she walked to his other side and sat down. His eyes followed her suspiciously, his thinking frown was back. And he did answer with another question, What is it ye hope to find? Debating with herself she finally spoke, I am not really sure, I may not find anything, however if as you say it is the year of our Lord 1212 then I have come backward in time. My year of our Lord is 2012. I am from youre future, I think maybe it could take me back to my time . . . there is the possibility I could get lost in another time however, damn it! Now THAT is not a happy thought! I dont know . . . I just dont know. For all I know I may have been

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struck by lightning and the feeling I felt of being hurled through time was just me hurling through the air. I could for all intense and purpose, be in a coma and you are a figment of my imagination and this is all a dream. She motioned to everything around her then looked into his eye to see his reaction. Gunnarrs frown deepened he tightened his lips and in a flash he was on his feet and towering over her looking fierce into her eyes then began pacing. He proceeded to mull her words over in his mind. 2012, a dream, get back to her own time, get lost in another time. He had lost Mara he damn sure was not losing Heather not if he could help it. As he finished his thoughts looking out over the Islands, suddenly revenge had lost it ferocity. Heather had taken its place. Not to say revenge was gone. If the opportunity presented itself he would seize the moment, but his search to seek it out and find it had ended this day. Heather softly touched his forearm seeking her answer. Gunnarr looked down at her, and then looked at the sun high in the sky. The nooning meal must be nearing. He bent down and kissed her forehead and said, I must think on ye request bonny Heather. I will not make allowances with ye very life Lass. I cannot . . . we have not eaten, we will eat and I will then answer ye request. Heather nodded; she figured that was as good as it gets at the moment. They walked back to the main longhouse hand in hand. Heather still felt the glow of her experience with Gunnarr, reliving the thoughts brought back exquisite sensations without the intense need, now just the extraordinary wanting of

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more. Gunnarr had many flashes of Heather in his mind as their hands exchanged energy. His visions were of her life and his life within her life and their life. He wondered where they his wishes, his wants he was seeing or could they be real? These strange feelings he had gotten as soon as he stepped foot off the Reinen, now touching Heather the visions and flashes. It was magic that was for sure and certain, but why him, why now? Was it Heathers storm? Would the storm take her back? Could he prevent that? He must! Arriving at the main longhouse as Gunnarr suspected the nooning was on the tables. Halldarr stood and yelled out to Gunnarr. Gunnarr moved Heather ahead of him toward the table where his twelve compatriots sat eating. He introduced Heather to each of them; they stood in turn with a nod of the head, saying, Me Lady. Halldarr directed conversation toward Heather saying, I am pleased to see my Lady up and moving about. Our last encounter, I thought ye dead. How are ye feeling? Heather looked around the table at the mammoth sized warriors with their four and five foot swords strapped to their backs and knew she had been transported back in time. Seeing them only confirmed part of what she wanted to go back to Ring of Brodgar for. Before answering she looked at Halldarr then at Gunnarr and said, I feel pretty damn good actually. The whole table broke into laughter. Gunnarr raised his brows proudly and smiled. Which confirmed without a doubt, what he and Heather had been up to. The table

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roared with laughter. Halldarr through laughter said, Grand it is then ye wear Gunnarr well. At the realization of his comment and the laughter rendering her cheeks red she shook her head and mimicked their brogue, Aye that I do Love, that I do. Gunnarr pushed her leg under the table with his. She turned to look at him and he gave a nod and winked showing his pride in her. She nodded back with a smile. He worshiped her courage. She hadnt realized how hungry she was until she started eating. She sat quietly listening to the warriors talk as she ate. She gathered they were leaving in two days to go a Viking, then to home port. Gunnarr glanced at Heather and saw the worry she tried to hide and whispered, Take heart Lass, I will see to thee if I decide to go. You can dead reckon me, Love. That is my oath I give ye freely. Nye have I forgotten ye request and the answer ye seek. Gunnarr had not forgotten her words; get back to my own time, 2012 lost in another time. His thoughts had taken him so deep in thought that Heather nudged him under the table, when one of his mates spoke to him, and he did not acknowledge. Gunnarr knew willed as she was, if it was something Heather really wanted he could not stop her from seeking it. With or without his help she would try. She was safer with his help. He also feared the magic that brought her would and could take her away from him if he took her back to the circle of stones. He further had an image flash when Halldarr slapped him on the back right after they sat down. So if he had contact with anyone he did
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and would have visions of their lives. He wondered if there was a way to master the visions and flashes. Gunnarr cleared his throat and placed his hand on the table over Heathers and squeezed softly, looking around at the warriors he said playfully including them, Heather needs to see where I found her, what say ye, shall we take her? Gunnarr glanced over at Heather and saw her surprised look. Gunnarr knew from the image he had gotten when Halldarr touched him they all had to be there in the circle. If the magic she sought took her back he was not sure he could bare it alone. And there was something there that all the warriors had to face. Gunnarr did not know what but he knew with every fiber in his body they all had to face it, whatever it was. As the thirteen warriors mounted their behemoth war horses, Heather wished for her camera. If she was stuck here she was going to miss a lot of things about the future. A camera to keep her memories for one, she was certain was just the start of a very long list of conveniences the future provided. Gunnarr reached down and like a feather lifted Heather to his lap, and he led the way to the circle of stones. Gunnarr looked down and her tunic was pulled away and showed her full plump breasts, he had not yet touched, bouncing with each step Dogr took, rushing the blood into his desire. He rocked forward deliberately pushing it to Heathers back, again showing her the effect she had on him. Heather looked up with the most impish smile, feeling the powerful effect she

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had on the mammoth man. It thrilled her, he was so ready and openly free about showing her the effect she had on him. How totally different the men of this time was to her own time. What a tragic loss the worlds cultures had known. She wished she could show him the effect he had on her. She must get better at foreplay and making Love for that matter. Someone once told her that MAKING love was an ever present tease it could last minutes or all day. Known as foreplay it is meant to tease and intensify the experience. A glance from a love that intensely desires you, wants to feel you, touch you and you see it in their eyes is erotic pleasure, just the thought in and of its self. She grinned and thought if it was more intensified she would have died in Gunnarrs arms. Being a scientist she was definitely going to research this subject completely. If she ever gets home. She looked up once again closing her eyes, she licked her lips slow and complete as she had once seen in a movie. Gunnarr whispered a satisfying groan which vibrated her back. She felt him pulsing on her lower back, pulling in a gasp of air, immediate effect, hardening him further. Heather leaned back and wiggled side to side taunting him, then would look up at him with her bright eyes and grinned sinfully. Heathers teasing backfired, he bent down and sucked her shoulder hard, sat up licking his lips and grinned ear to ear. For as he sucked an intense wave of pleasure shot through her body and she let out a loud lustful long groan that everyone heard and started laughing. With reddened cheeks she behaved the rest of the trip.

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On arriving to the circle of stones, Gunnarr led everyone to the center then said, There is magic at play here, each rider instinctively stopped in front of one of the twelve monolithic stones with Gunnarr in the center. Heather pushed her face into Gunnarr chest hearing the electrical storm begin she was afraid of being thrown to another time not her own. Did she really want to leave Gunnarr? Not really. He held her head to his chest to further protect her as he drew his sword. Raising his sword high above his head he screamed out the war cry and the others followed with swords and cries. The storm went as before from one stone to another, Gunnarr suddenly remembered his prayer the last time he was here, My prayer is that I would have the love of my life before me now. He had prayed aloud to Dogr. He looked down at Heather; her short curly blond hair was being whipped by the force of the storm. Aye, Heather was the true Love of his life, he was drawn to her, and the pull was strong and unyielding. He kissed the top of her head and pulled her tighter to him. Gunnarr whispered yet another prayer that the magic would not take her from him. He, Heather and his sword started pulsating with a violet blue light. The magic suddenly did something very different, instead of opening at its crest as before, found a focal point like a facet then, shot right into Gunnarrs sword into him, and out to the swords of the other twelve warriors swords and their bodies illuminated in the same light. Their eyes glowed with a more intense light. Each man was steady in his courage and strength, unwavering to

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fear. Suddenly the loud sounds of the storm were gone and complete silences replace it, as if time itself stood still in that moment. A voice powerful with statue made its self-known, with slow deliberation the voice spoke to the warriors, My Fae sons . . . at last we meet. Unbeknownst to ye . . . ye are brothers . . . of my own loin. The Fae blood is thick with in ye, weaved into ye very souls. With my blood comes . . . untold powers. Ye hence forth shall wear the mark of an oath over ye heart. It will serve well a reminder. The mark began to pulse then burn itself in to the chest of every warrior, sparks of purple light shot out from the mark and back into their swords. Ye, my sons of thirteen . . . will be the keepers of the magic . . . the gates of stones . . . and protectors of the Oath. Ye will seek any of Fae blood that desecrate their oath and misuse their powers. Ye are not to interfere with fate or providence, or change the way of things to be, nor allow anyone else to. This world I give ye and none other. Regard my words well . . . As I have given this day so shall I take away, follow the code burned with in the mark. Each of you carry my powerful magic within, but above this ye also carry ye own combination of magic unique to its self. With these powers come wisdom . . . seek it. The magic will guide ye . . . trust it. Take to ye mates, possess exceptional . . . love, family and temperance . . . bring forth bairns . . . for they too will wear the mark. Teach them well the knowledge I have gifted this day as they will become protectors of the Oath. Know ye have my blessing, my
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love and my magic, guard them well. The storm left as quickly as it arrived. Heather lifted her eyes to Gunnarr who stared back at her; his eyes were piercing velvet blue. He looked around the circle as were all the eyes of the men. Their swords dropped to their sides if weighting a ton, looking one to another with unspoken knowledge of understanding they now shared, as if reading each others thoughts. They dismounted, sheathed their swords and led their mounts to Gunnarr and Heather. Gunnarr dismounted and helped Heather off Dogr. As the men approached Heather squinted hard and whispered, Your eyes. She looked at all of them. Gunnarr said, Heather ye are still blue. The men looked at Heather to be sure her eyes were blue. Halldarr pulled back his shirt to reveal the mark of the oath. Looking first at their own and then at one anothers comparing. Large round circles like the circle of stones looked to be separated around with six symbols and an eagle in the middle with spread wings that were moving extremely slow in flight. The top symbol seemed to be unique to each man their marks were burned into the stone in which they had stood just as Gunnarrs was at his feet. Gunnarr, this is the stone I was picking up when the magic brought me here. Heather bent down and rubbed her finger on the stone then stood and looked at the one on his chest, they were the same. The symbol just to the left of the top symbol was the symbol for oaths, the next down was the symbol for alliances, the bottom was the symbol for truth the next up the right side was a

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symbol for honor next further up was a symbol for souls. The symbols around were as follows, Oaths, Alliances, Truths, Honors, Souls the symbols spelled out the word oaths itself. OATHS. The eagle in the middle Gunnarr had said was Arn Laugr which meant eagle vow. Heathers eyes filled as she looked at Gunnarr knowing she would never go back to her time. Gunnarr pulled her to him and said to all that were listening, I am sorry bonny Heather whatever magic this is Love, it seems you are a part of it, as are we all. One of the warriors named Fenarr, laughed and said, So it is brothers we are then? Should we build a village of longhouses for ourselves, Aye? The warriors looked stern at each other as the words set in they were brothers. They all then busted out in roaring laughter. Right you are Fenarr, right you are. They were hugging like brothers, exchanging slaps on the backs. Then silence came as if they were considering all of the other messages they had been told. Another warrior called Dagarr asked, What should we do now? Gunnarr looked around at all the blank faces and said, Well, I dont think we are going to die from the power so lets take it slow and our new Father said, trust the magic. Halldarr spouted out as he went to mount his war horse, Where on this bloody earth will I find a mate to put up with me? Everyone laughed. Fenarr said, As will we all, except ye Gunnarr, it seems Father had delivered Heather into ye lap. Laughing and mounting too. Another warrior named Egilarr said, It seems ye are Fathers favorite, I am not

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sure I will take to that, Gunnarr that may cost ye a sword or two. Kellarr said, Aye Gunnarr, Dogr can sire a winter foal, with my mare for that bit of favoritism. The ride back to the village was both eerie and quiet outside of an occasional conversation between the warriors. Mattarr was riding between Gunnarr and Halldarr when he noticed billows of smoke coming from the port and village motioned and said, This day just keeps getting better and better, does it not brothers? His war horse took off with a gentle nudge. Gunnar said, Damn. Dogr followed at a run. Halldarr yelled, Reinen. Gunnarr grabbed Heather around the waist and held her tight close to him as the warriors raced the horses to the attack on the village. Just a ways from the village Gunnarr pulled up hard on Dogr to a stop and set Heather on the ground then ground out, Ye stay put till I come for ye. Gunnarr nudged Dogr again at a run. Heather was insulted, angry, scared and disappointed. Insulted she was left behind, angry that Gunnarr just did whatever he wanted to her without asking, scared for one, that she had never seen battles only read how bloody they were. Secondly she had come to care for Gunnarr so much. She couldnt bare it now if anything happened to him. Cared or loved? No cared, she decided much more than anyone outside of her parents who had died in an auto accident a few years before. She had no one; fact was he drove her crazy with his alpha dog complex and yes, most defiantly sexually too. OK, maybe love. She was insulted that Gunnarr did not find a use for her in the battle,

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considering the two things she hated most in the world was feeling helpless and useless she felt them both at the moment. Heather balled up her fist and stomped toward the village, seeing the warriors draw their swords in the distance and plunge head on into the fight. Swords were clanging, screams loud and desperate Heather started running for the village, she knew she could do something, be of use somehow if nothing more than to organize and direct with her strongest characteristic remaining calm in a crisis. The battle had spilled into the village. She ran to the first injured man she could find. Took his seax (dagger) and cut the skirt of her surcote into strips and tied off the slice on his arm. She called two village men to take the man . . . where? She looked around there was a longhouse set in the middle of longhouses protected or better hidden in the center of the longhouses, she instructed them to take him there she would turn that longhouse into a make shift hospital. She gathered as many sturdy men as she could find to gather wounded, women, children and more cots. Heather sent women to bring cloth, clean water, sewing needles used for the sails, thread, soap and firewood to the makeshift hospital. There was an old woman who was attending to some of the wounded and one old man who had said he had attended the wounded in many battles. Heather sent them with their wounded to the makeshift hospital. As classrooms of children were ushered in to the now hospital, Heather had to find a better protected place for them away from the horrifying sights with in the hospital. An adjacent
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longhouse next to the hospital was utilized and several men with swords from the village stood guard with them. She still heard the distant clanging of swords, and heard the voices of a few of the Arn Laugr warriors yelling in the distance barking orders. She ran to the main gate but could see nothing of them or Gunnarr. Several hours had passed and word that the hospital had been set up was no doubt outside the gate as the wounded were being brought in from the battle front. Heather was listening as she stood by the small bonfire she had set outside to burn the contaminated bloody cloth used on the wounded. She threw the last of the rags into the fire and lifted her ear for a better listen. Whoever had attacked by the sounds of it were now retreating. Looked up at the sun she figured it to be about 4:00 or 5:00pm. She stared into the fire thinking she was never going home and if this was the way of life in this time what would she need. No handy penicillin that was for sure and certain it hadnt been discovered yet, she wondered what they used in its place. Herbs most likely, shame she didnt take botany in school. So much for foresight, but a journal would be very useful for keeping information she did learn. Made of what? She wondered what year was paper invented and toilet paper for that matter. This line of thought could get ridicules. She walked back into the hospital to look to see if any of the Arn Laugr was among the now growing wounded. With a sigh of relief there were none of them to be found, she placed her hands on her lower back and arched before she sat

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down at the end of a long table, putting her head down on her hands promptly falling to sleep. Gunnarr and the warriors had quickly give the battle their heavy leverage. Archers, spearmen and a few swordsmen were brought from the Reinen and the Reinen was oared out to keep her from being set a blaze or taken. The Arm Laugr had a style of fighting that rendered them virtually invincible from the get go. Gunnarr was the best swordsmen of them and led the others. Halldarr on his right with five to his right, Mattarr to his left with five to his left, instead of the warriors making a straight line they made an inverted V. So if at any time they were being over powered they closed the V making a circle where they fought back to back, shoulder to shoulder. This style of fighting won their victories. Their legend preceded them and told of being favored they were spun by the Gods making them immortal and invincible. Gunnarr sheathed his sword with the battle being won he whistled for Dogr who came in a trot signaled Mattarr he was going for Heather, swung up on Dogr back and headed out in a full run. Gunnarr road hard out where he was sure he left her and she was nowhere to be found, he pulled Dogr to a stop swung him around looking in all directions for her. He yelled out her name in rage, fear mixed with his anger. She was gone, Hell and damnation! Three of the Arn Laugr rode up to Gunnarr hearing him scream out her name. Gunnarr shook his head. Arilarr looked directly at the ground looking for her tracks. Gunnarr and Jannarr started scanning the ground too. Arilarr moving his

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mount around in large circles, he yelled out, Found them. Gunnarr and Jannarr joined him and they followed the tracks to the village yard and lost them there. Gunnarrs low lethal voice ground out, When I find her I am going to thrash her good. Jannarr cocked his head and said, You mean if? Seeing Gunnarrs face change, Arilarr furthered, She is alive, and Father would not give her then, just to take her away Gunnarr. Arilarr, road his mount on searching for Heather between the longhouses. Jannarr nodded Arilarr was right dismounted ran looking through the long houses. Gunnarr went to the gate riding back out, searching calling the other Arn Laugr in to the task. Gunnarr was half afraid she had been taken, finding her would be near impossible. So he searched everywhere the battle had been outside the village walls. A young boy came running to Gunnarr to deliver a message from Jannarr and said, Are ye Gunnarr of the Arn Laugr? Gunnarr said, Aye, I am. The boy said, I have a message then, from Jannarr of the Arn Laugr, he said ye treasure has been found. With that said the boy ran away. Gunnarr shot like the wind into the village and found Jannarr standing outside the hospital. Gunnarr jumped off Dogr before he had stopped and ran toward Jannarr, Wait till ye see what she has done here, the old woman said she put this sick house together for the wounded and more and calls it a hospital. Gunnarr squinted his eyes in anger and shouted, Where is she? Jannarr

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laughed and said, Shes sleeping at the table. Jannarr pointed to inside the longhouse. All the warriors went inside and Gunnarr was the last to come in following Jannarr. Gunnarr shouting her name as he came through the door. Heather jumped awake and stood up. The warriors made way for Gunnarr to get to her. Gunnarr gasped at the sight of her, she was covered in blood. He jumped over the table took hold of her pulling at her clothes lifting her dress to see under it. He was franticly looking for injuries that could produce that amount of blood. Gunnarr pulling her face one way then another to look at her face, neck and anything else he could see. Heather started yelling at him, Hey . . . cut it out. WHAT is the matter with you? She was slapping his hands away from her. Pulling her head out of his hand she stepped back. Gunnarr stepped forward in the most dangerous voice she had ever heard he said, I told ye to stay put! Why did ye Nye stay put? pushing his face a bit closer to hers. Heather looked around and noticed the angry look on every one of the warriors faces, they too were awaiting her answer. Kellarr shouted out, Damn it woman show us ye injuries, where are ye cut? Heather looked up at them confused. Halldarr pointed to her dress. She looked down. Oh my God . . . This is not my . . . Someone els . . . Everybodys . . . I AM FINE. Remembering she was mad at all of them she lifted her head up indignant pushing her way through the towering angry men, out the door and into the yard. Following behind her were thirteen worried angry, warriors and Gunnarr was on her

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heals. He grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him still after his answer. The towering warriors were standing around her once more. Gunnarrs low deadly voice asked once more, Why did ye nye stay put? She looked into his livid eyes raised her eye brows and said calmly, I am not going to debate this with you or anyone else. She looked around at the warriors and tried to push through again. The men looked at Gunnarr, who shook his head no the circle tighten the men now shoulder to shoulder. She was not going anywhere. Gunnarr stepped forward saying, Ye should know the dangers of battle, ye could have been killed, or worse! Ye could have been taken as a concubine and raped by an army of men then left for dead. Ye could have been taken and tortured for information! Gunnarr continued talking as he paced, stopping to tell her more than pacing again. You WILL do as ye are told when I or one of these men tells ye to do it; ye will do it without question, with haste or ye will find my sword to ye back side. Do ye hear me words now Lass! She turned slowly around in a circle looking at each of the warriors and said loudly, You listen to me Roger Ram Jets, You are not bosses over me, and not one of you can make me do what I do not want to do. She tightened her lips then pointed a finger and pushed it into Gunnarrs chest several times stating, If you ever hit me, I will kill you where you stand, NOW . . . WE understand each other. Gunnarr squinted fuming eyes lifted Heather over his shoulder took her

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screaming kicking and hitting his back with her fists to the stockade shack opened the door set her inside and walked out bolting the door behind him. He did not have the heart to leave her, so he leaned against the door. The warriors looked at him with disgusted nods, as to say that should teach her, and they walked a few paces away and waited with Gunnarr. Heather was outraged screaming at Gunnarr, I will NEVER marry you! Nor will I EVER have children for you! I never WANT to lay eyes on you AGAIN . . . in my LIFE; I would rather die than look at you, you heathen. I hate you, do you hear HATE you! It is DARK in here damn it, let me out of here Gunnarr, I MEAN it! Gunnarr leaning against the door closed his eye tight in agony and leaned his head back against the door. As much as he hated it, she was damn sure going to learn when it came to battles and her life she WOULD listen and listen well. He could no more live without her now then he could the air he breathed. The pain of it would be more than this warrior could bear. Heather cried hard agonizing tears swearing not to talk to any of them again, ever. She was exhausted from the days events and this only served to wipe her out entirely. When the shouts and sniffles stopped and no sound could be heard anymore Gunnarr opened the door. Heather was slumped over sleeping. Gunnarr picked her up carefully pulled her to his chest and he, the men and their mounts went to the Reinen. It was standard practice for them after a battle or raids all would stay on the longboat reducing the treachery left after math of a battle.

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Gunnarr took Heather to his room and laid her softly on her back on his bed then lit a candle and lay down by her. They were both covered in blood and dirt. He pulled her closer into his chest breathed in taking in her sent and closed his eyes. He thought how well she fit him and chuckled at her temper and felt like a heel for what he had done. Gunnarr had set a guard at his door, knowing if she woke she would try to escape. Remembering when she started crying his heart was ripped from his chest, he almost opened the door then. He could deal with her wrath as long as she was at his side and alive to give it, over the other option of her being gone from his life no matter the how of it. But her sorrow was another thing. He never wanted to hear her sorrow ever again. Nor he vowed would he again be the cause of it. He played with her hair, delicately moving it away from her face. Her cheeks had soot, dirt and dried blood on them, she was so very beautiful to him. He ran his finger over her cheek and stared at her face memorizing every curve and texture, taking deep breathes of her smell until the candle burn out. With his arm tight around her he closed his eyes and found sleep. Heather was the first to wake, her eyes slowly opened, and the room was dim, light shone from under the door. So much had happened so quickly since she had arrived in this time it took several moments to gather her thoughts. Right, her body stiffened as she recalled Gunnarr had locked her in that dark room. She must be still there . . . no the smell is different. She sniffed the air again she could smell Gunnarr. She moved her hands feeling a huge arm around her

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she felt further and grabbed Gunnarrs groin, not sure what she was grabbing squeezed a couple times trying to make it out. Gunnarr whispered by her ear. Found something ye need have ye? She pulled her hand back to her chest. He chuckled and continued, Good morning bonny Heather. Heather tightened her lips together and said, Good morning, where are we? Gunnarr grinned glad to hear she had said we and not I. Gunnarr answered, On the Reinen in my cabin. Heather questioned further, How did I get here? There it was the I, Gunnarr squeezed her tenderly with his arm that was around her whispering by her ear, I carried ye. Heather turned her head to look at him whispering back a bit harsh, What finally made you let me out of that dungeon? Gunnarr let out a sigh and answered, Nye a dungeon, I locked ye in there to bring ye to ye senses Heather. I know ye are from another time and I will make allowances for that, but for ye life I will make none. Nor allow ye to be reckless with it. I can take a hundred deadly battle wounds; Hear me my bonnie Lass, to lose ye would be the undoing of me Heather. I am nye strong enough for that. Heather reached up placing her hand on his face and kissed him softly and said, I hear what you are saying, I will not be reckless with my life. Heather loved the fact that Gunnarr didnt believe his feelings to be a weakness as men of her time did. He had kissed her intimately several times in front of everyone, openly showing his want and need, not caring who looked
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on and the on lookers made no mind of it either come to think of it. Heather felt she was in a position to bargain she added, I will make a deal with you Gunnarr. She waited for his answer. Gunnarr puzzled a moment and said, Deal what is deal? Heather smiled continuing, A trade. Gunnarr chuckled kissing her cheek, Aye, what is it I have ye want to trade for? And what have ye to trade? My God she did love this man. We should have a meeting of the minds so to speak. She started and Gunner interrupted her, Most of the time I know nye what ye are saying. I read and write Heather I am nye a simpleton. He breathed out a sigh. Heather nodded, This is exactly my point, we do not use the same wording, the meanings of same language nor have the same living conditions, so I was merely suggesting that until we have a meeting of the minds, meaning we understand each other better. You would get farther with me Gunnarr if instead of barking orders at me and shoving me here and pulling me there you might try communicating first . . . talking WITH me not AT me. Gunnarr was quiet after a long while finally he answered. Women do as they are told that is the way, I see it is nye the same for ye, I will learn ye ways, ye learn me ways with haste, I hear what ye say, meeting of the minds. Bonny Heather, I shall nye trade ye life, I will speak with ye nye at ye. He sighed heavy, she turned to face him putting her hand on his cheek and he threw his leg over her and pulled her close kissing her forehead leaving his lips touching her head then continued, Ye are like a child here and nye know the danger

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

that can be fall ye. Till ye learn ye will speak with me before ye do a thing. That trade will I make. And Heather . . . I vow never again to be the cause of ye sorrow. He pressed softly a long kiss to her forehead. I do Love you so Gunnarr, there is no mistaking that, I have thought about it a great deal. I have no one and nothing but my scientific work to go back to and I would rather be here in your arms in this time with you then with anyone, anytime or anyplace else on this earth. She reached up and kissed him with passionate possession pushing him to his back. He pulled her on top of him deepening the kiss. He started lifting her shirts she broke the kiss. Oh no you dont, we are filthy dirty not without a shower, shower first, Gunnarr had no idea what shower or filth was but dirty he knew. He chuckled and said, We will get better at this meeting of the minds. He pushed her over to her back laying on her he kissed her nose smiled and continued, If ye stay right here I will bring ye something ye will like vera much. He looked at her eyes which shinned delight with her smile. Really? What do I have to trade for it? she teased. He laughed, Ye vera soul, and a leg or two if ye nye stay put. Ill have ye word Heather. Heather smiled and said, I will not step foot out of this room. You have my word. With that he left the room. Heather got up looked around the room and noticed a picture of water and a wash bowl. But first, her curiosity killing her she had to open the door. There was a huge back standing in the door way, one of the guards Gunnarr had
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arranged for the night before was there blocking the door, he peered over his shoulder grunted then turned back around continuing to block the door. She slammed the door laughing talking out loud, damn he knows me to well, someone who knows me, I have died and gone to heaven she fell on the bed burying her face into the pillow for a good hard muffled laugh. Gunnarr went to the stores of goods they had and picked out some of the finest clothes they had traded for the women at home port. Gathering things Heather would need arms full he was making his way back to his cabin when he crossed paths with Halldarr, who could not wait to tease him, She has not scratched ye eyes out I see, the union must be going well enough then, did ye claim her boy? Is she still on board? Gunnarrs smile was the biggest Halldarr had ever seen him wear. Gunnarr laughed his answer, Aye, well enough . . . Nye a matter of dirt. That she is, I posted a guard. Halldarr slapped him on the back laughing and said, Make haste then man strike while the iron is hot, well all be meeting before the nooning to talk over the magic. Gunnarr laughed and replied, Aye that I will. Heather was down to the thin tunic revealing everything and had it pulled up her muscled hiking thighs washing when he returned with full arms. He threw the lot on the bed and grabbed her growling into her neck biting and sucking he muffled out, I must have ye before I die of want Heather, me body painful aches for ye . . . And Halldarr wants a meeting before nooning. Heather grabbed his groin and said, Aye look I have found something I need.

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

Gunnarr turned loose of her and swiped the clothes off the bed into the floor. She was pulling the tunic off as he turned around to face her. Growling low and deep he started ripping his clothes off. There standing before her was muscle, muscle and more muscle with a large protruding muscle leading the way. She stretched out her arm and took hold of the swollen evidence of his lust and squeezed as she gently ran her hand up and down his shaft. She closed her eyes lifted her head on an inhale of breath. It was velvet in her hands, hot hard soft velvet. Closing his own eyes he growled deep within his chest. He set her on the bed pushing her to her back letting loose his lust with a kiss. He took her breasts in his hands and began to embrace hard and stopped broke the kiss pulling back put his forehead on her tummy breathing hard and moaning slightly rocking up and back holding on to her hips. Heather panicked, What is it Gunnarr, did I do something wrong? Are you hurt . . . what? Gunnarr took a deep breath lifted his head to look into her eyes, through gritted teeth, Nye Love . . . Aye tis ye, tis nye ye. I am too eager my need to have ye is too great, ye are chaste . . . I need to rein hard to hold myself or I will hurt ye deeply. Ye reached into me soul and touched the savage in me, needing to take ye full and hard. I Love ye I will be gentle to pleasure ye Heather or be damned. Heathers tears rolled down her face as she sat up to take his face in her hands. Heather softly spoke through tears, Be damned is a bit drastic I should think. However I thank you with my heart and my soul as I have often thought about

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my first time. Wondered how the man I gave myself to would treat me. So I thank you Gunnarr for being the man who insisted on being the one to take me and no other. She giggled pulling him with her as she lay back down on the bed, with him on top again. Lets see if we can do this together, you touched me and had pleasure without me touching you. Lets see if I find your pleasure without you touching me. What say ye? Gunnarr smiled Heather rolled Gunnarr off of her and sat by his side like a naked Goddess on her knees. She rubbed her lips on his lips he grabbed her to deepen a kiss. She shook her head no pushing his hands down to his sides. With her delicate hands and a soft touch, she chased goose bumps around his body from his neck to his toes her fingers glided. Down his neck, his shoulder on to his chest over his nipple stopping to bend down and suckle it. He groaned out a long wanting sound rattling his chest. Heather smile and continued her hand ran down his stomach into the dark soft hair his desire lay upon. She continued on softly caressing his balls and lightly pulling her hand moved up and over his desire causing Gunnarr to arch his back as she grabbed it and slid her hand up and down the shaft, she leaned down and kissed the top running her tongue over the head and sucked it into her mouth. He ground out through gritted teeth, Heather, please! Heather lifted her head to look at him and said, Am I not pleasing you? Gunnarr panting said, Aye . . . Too much, I want you Heather, I must spill my seed in ye and claim ye now. Heather smiled and said, And ye shall have me, give me your pleasure

The Oaths Series: Norsemans Prayer Brenda Hardy

Gunnarr and you may take me. Gunnarr looked into Heathers eyes; his pupils were dilated so big she could not see the violet blue in them. She sucked him into her mouth again deeper sucking harder. Gunnarr was holding on to the very edge of his control. He let out a loud growl. Pulling Heather up on to him and flipped her to her back in one fluid motion. Heather was smiling as their eyes met. Gunnarr smiled dangerously back at her with renewed strength, he whispered, Now Heather ye shall find ye pleasure when ye sheath me to me hilt. His hands melted into her breasts as he massaged them gently taking her gems into his mouth sucking and nibbling, first one and then the other. Heather arched into his sucking, so he sucked harder still. He pushed her legs apart with his as he lifted himself from her. Sliding between her legs his mouth moved over her tummy and hips biting, moving his swirling tongue with perfect pressure as it crossed over her bodys nerves. Swirling, sucking and biting. His hands caressed her thighs close to her treasure and his thumbs gently parted the lips and began to swirl over her pearl one after another. Wet pools of want slicked the path for his thumbs. Gunnarr moaned as her heated scent filled his nostrils and his tongue met her pearl. He breathed in again then whispered, Sweet nectar, Heather. Gunnarr pushed then sucked his mouth between her folds sliding his tongue inside for more nectar. Her breathing increased to gasps Gunnarr knew she was ready. He pulled her hips up onto his thighs one thumb was rubbing her pearl as he inserted the head of his

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desire into her slick heat. He sucked air through his gritted teeth as his own pulse raced to take her. Heather gasped and pushed with her hips as he eased in sliding deeper, he came to her maidens head. Looked at Heather and whispered, This will hurt Love, there will be nye going back if I claim you, Ye will be mine by all rights Heather, belonging to me, are ye sure ye want me heart and soul Lass? Heather opened her eyes and said, This is the only thing I have ever been sure of Gunnarr claim me my love. Gunnarr thrust in to her till he was sheathed completely reining himself hard watching her face grimace then relax when he placed his thumb on her pearl igniting her flame to life again, he set a slow deep pace searching for her inner passion. She gasped he worked her spot over and over with short quick strokes. Her body tensed and she cried out with pleasure as her body gave way erupting in ecstasy. Her core tightened around his shaft tight and pulsed, giving him free rein to follow her into the abyss. They lay panting out their receding ecstasy. Gunnarr started moving again, kissing her with passion, she broke the kiss and asked? What about the meeting of magic? Gunnarr raised his head wiggling his eyebrows, It will have to wait I nye had my fill of ye my prayer. Heather pulled him back to their kiss.

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