The Viking's Witch by Kelli Wilkins Read Free Book Online Page A

lyin’ here. Now pray tell me the other thing you wish me to do. I would hope to sleep a bit tonight. The sun shall rise in a few hours.”
    He looked at Odaria. His silver and jade brooch gleamed in the moonlight. It pleased him that she liked his gift. “Answer my questions. And I want to hear the truth. No lies, ja ?”
    “Aye. Ask what you will.”
    “Did another ship of Nordmenn land here a fortnight ago?”
    “Nay. I know nothing of a ship.”
    “Are you certain?”
    “Aye. I’ve not seen others like you before tonight.”
    He frowned. Hel. He’d been hoping that Odaria had seen the ship or at least heard a rumor about it. For a woman, she seemed to know many things. “Have you heard anyone speak of a man called Orvind?”
    “Nay.” She yawned. “Must you keep me awake with questions I canna answer?”
    “Speak the truth. I need to find Orvind.”
    “And I need to sleep. I told you, I know not of this person. Would you rather I lie?”
    He closed his eyes. By Thor, now what? He had to find Orvind and bring him home, dead or alive. It was not his wish to leave the comfort of his farm and set sail on this reckless mission, but he had no choice in the matter. His uncle had ordered him to find Orvind, even though he was a damned fool for taking a knarr and sailing away without permission.
    “Why are you searching for him here? Who is he?”
    “My cousin. Orvind set sail for this isle weeks ago and vanished. I’m here to find him and bring him home.”
    “Perhaps he sailed to another isle. There are many nearby.”
    “He was going to Strjonsey .” He saw Odaria scowl, then explained. “That is our name for this place.”
    “Aye.” Odaria tugged the sheepskin covering up to her chin and yawned. “If I knew of a ship, I would tell you.”
    From the tender tone in her voice, he knew Odaria was being honest with him. “ Ja .” He pressed his fingertips to his eyes and sighed. His head ached from too much beer and not enough sleep. Today was one of the longest days of his life. Sailing here and taking charge of the capture of these villagers had—
    Suddenly, an idea came to him. “Are there more Picts living on this isle? Is there another village? Perhaps on the far side of this rock?”
    “Nay, no longer. Once there was a tiny village not far from here. But it was combined with this one. The isle is not big. I kin walk all the way round it in a day if I wish.”
    Damn. Looking for Orvind in another village had been a good idea. In the morning, he would send Karnik’s men to explore the nearest isles, just in case Orvind’s ship had been blown off course.
    “And tell me, who is in charge of this village? What is his name?”
    “A loathsome beast named Brennan. Should you see him, run him through with your broadsword.”
    He turned to Odaria, surprised at her vicious tone. Why did she hate Brennan so? He thought of asking her, then changed his mind. What did he care of their quarrel? He was here to find Orvind. The leader of the village would certainly have heard of a longship coming ashore, or being dashed against the rocks. Tomorrow, he would force Brennan to tell him what he knew.
    “Is there anythin’ else, Rothgar? I’d rather not be awake to greet the dawn.”
    He smiled. Odaria was right. It was late. “One more question.” The quick capture of the villagers still nagged at him, and he needed to satisfy his curiosity. “Why was everyone in the village on the hill near the fire tonight? Were they holding a celebration?”
    Odaria didn’t answer him right away. He looked over and saw that she was biting her lower lip. “Well? You were there, ja ?”
    “Aye. I was there. Those fine, God-fearing Christians had gathered to cleanse the village.”
    “What does that mean? I’m unfamiliar with their Christian rituals. We still worship the old gods, Odin and Thor.”
    “And rightfully so. You would not want the gods ta turn against you.”
    After a second, he realized that she had avoided