Stardust Ch. 03

Her warrior very gently placed his hands on Tyler's waist and pulled her to him.

The two lovers embraced, not caring one iota if anyone caught them. Tyler was no longer able to keep her tears in check.

"You come back to me," she whispered. With her eyes closed and her face pressed against Brand's warm, hard chest, she breathed in his familiar scent.

She didn't want to think negatively, but willed herself to find the courage to say the words that needed to be voiced...just in case.

"I just found you and I'm not done with you yet. So find your way back to me. I...I love you, Brand."

He tensed.

Tightening his arm around her, Brand pulled back and looked down at the top of Tyler's mass of curls.

"Woman, I would gaze upon your eyes," he commanded.

Hesitantly, Tyler looked up at him, afraid of his reaction to her words.

She had nothing to fear.

The passion and the hope there in his face almost broke her heart. It was as if he'd just heard those three words for the first time in his life.

Tyler vaguely cursed Thora for having scorned Brand; but simultaneously she thanked the reckless woman, because her crassness had left the door open for Tyler and Brand to find each other.

He must have been satisfied with whatever he found in Tyler's eyes, because he touched his forehead to hers and grasped her wrist, bringing her palm to his rapidly beating heart.

"You are the keeper of this...my soul. Take care with it, as I do not give it impetuously. I offer you a life here with me, and I pledge my undying allegiance to you as your lord, protector and mate. All that I have would be yours. What say you, Tyler?"

She leaned back and cupped his face in her hands, shocked.

"Are you asking me to marry you?!" she asked incredulously.

"If you would have me...aye," Brand replied.

Tyler's knee buckled. If she would have him?! How could he ever doubt how much she wanted him???

"But what about Thora?" she asked.

"She is my concern; do not trouble yourself. Now what say you?" he repeated.

"Yes! Yes, I will have you," she sobbed joyously.

Before Brand allowed himself to join in her happiness, he issued another word of caution.

"You will be my mate for life, woman. Is this what you want?" he asked sternly.

"BRAND! I want YOU! I don't want anyone or anything else! You've made me the happiest woman alive!"

Tyler brought his lips to hers and sealed their pledge to each other with a kiss. When they finally broke apart, they were breathless, desire overwhelming them both.

"Would that I could join you abed," Brand said mournfully.

Tyler laughed at the agony on his face and in his voice. A quickie really sounded like a good idea right now. But she wanted his mind focused on his journey. The last thing she wanted to be was a distraction to him.

"Take care, sweetheart. Please come back for me...I'll wait for you forever if I have to," she whispered.

With every ounce of his strength, Brand broke their embrace. Abruptly, he gave Tyler a hard kiss on the lips and backed away. Turning, he walked toward the large arch that led to the door. Before he crossed the threshold, he looked back at Tyler once more.

She stood there, all feminine and irresistible.

But Brand knew she was completely ignorant of her appeal. He remembered the day he had found her near-lifeless body in the snow and thanked the Aesir above for bringing her to him.

He was caught entirely unawares by the summons from the Ragnarsson brothers and could not begin to guess what had prompted them to demand his return. But the one thing Brand did know was that he would fight. He would fight unto the death and he would continue to defy the odds. His treasure stood there with big, doe eyes that even now glistened with unshed tears.

Aye, he would fight...and he would return to her waiting arms.

Brand walked out the door and this time he did not look back. With difficulty he pushed thoughts of his woman out of his mind. As he walked past Asgerd, he nodded to the woman who had been his mother.

"We ride," he declared, his deep voice boomed throughout the courtyard as he mounted Sleipnir.

He did not dare permit himself a backward glance at the woman who had come to mean so much to him. Instead, Brand urged the warhorse onward and allowed it the freedom to charge into the forest.

Valhalla above must have heard his silent plea for strength, for he did not look back.

***

Tyler stood rooted to her spot in the courtyard.

As was her habit, she watched until Brand was no longer in sight before she allowed the tears to spill freely down her face. Turning, she made her way up the steps and into the keep.

She needed to get away from the prying gazes and the whispers.

Once in Brand's solar, she closed the door, removed her clothing and pulled on one of his tunics. His wonderful scent instantly assaulted her, and she burrowed under the covers and sobbed for all she was worth.

"Please keep him safe," she gasped, barely able to breathe.

For an hour she remained just so until she was spent. At some point, Asgerd had come to the door, but Tyler had refused the old woman entry. She only got up once to clean her face with the cool water from the bowl. Then she climbed back into the bed and pulled the covers over her head.

Before she knew it, she was asleep.

***

Tyler was on the flight to Scotland. She was ecstatic that her baby brother was marrying, and had dropped everything to come to the wedding.

Because the flight would take eons, and because she was an avid reader, she had visited a Barnes and Noble a few days before her flight. Though Tyler would be traveling to Scotland, the actual ceremony would take place at Berwick upon Tweed.

In the spirit of the region to which she would be traveling, she had picked up a book about the history of Northumberland.

Once on the flight, Tyler had been so wrapped up in the book - and in one story in particular - that she had neglected to eat and had even fought sleep for as long as possible. When she could barely keep her eyes open, she inserted her bookmark where she had left off and reluctantly slept.

Awake once more, Tyler partook in the meal offered by the flight attendant and immediately returned to her book. It was a story of violence, honor, loyalty, friendships, and betrayal.

Apparently, during the Viking Age, a great and powerful chieftain rose to power.

His many exploits had reached far and wide, and he was honored and respected by his comrades and leaders. A family member, envious of the chieftain, betrayed him by turning the great lord over to the Saxon enemy. In an elaborate plot, the cousin arranged for a messenger to arrive at the chieftain's manor with false news from their great Viking leaders.

The nobleman had only just returned from war, but because he was upright, he didn't protest but left his keep with a large number of his men to answer the call.

Only, there was no call.

The chieftain and his troops walked into an ambush and were taken unawares...every single warrior had been killed that day. The only remaining relative, the heinous cousin became lord of the manor and enjoyed the power that came along with such prestige for a short while.

However, he was later betrayed by the Saxons with whom he had consorted. With little to no defense, the keep had been taken. The men were killed, the women raped; they were forced into slavery along with the children. The Viking campaign suffered a great loss.

The betrayed chieftain had been Lord Brand.

***

Tyler's eyes fluttered open. She sobbed as remembrance rushed back to her.

Even on the plane to Scotland she had felt a heaviness, a sadness she didn't understand as she read Brand's story. Now her sorrows had been worsened a hundredfold, because the betrayed lord was no longer a stranger...he meant everything to her.

Throwing back the covers, Tyler got out of bed and threw open the door that led to the balcony.

It was almost dark.

She pulled on her clothes and ran out of room, making her way down the stairs and outside the keep. She knew she made a spectacle of herself, tearing through the courtyard, but Tyler didn't care. This was too important, and she had to warn Brand that he had been set up.

As she made her way toward Svala's cottage, Tyler began to run out of breath. Her sides ached but she refused to slow to a walk. The small house seemed to be further away than usual...she was sure it was her imagination. But finally, when it came into view, she let out a cry of joy.

Not even stopping to knock, Tyler burst through the door, startling Svala who had been sewing. Her head jerked up in surprise as she took in Tyler's anguished state.

"What is it?!" she demanded.

Tyler simply stood in the middle of the floor, gasping for air. Tears welled in her eyes, but she couldn't form a single sentence.

Finally, Svala sprang to life. She grabbed a chair and pushed Tyler down in it. Then she ran to the kitchen and poured her a cool cup of mead.

"Here, drink this," Svala instructed.

She stood in front of Tyler watching her drink the refreshment. Svala nervously wrung her hands and wished Tyler would finish the drink already. The wait was more than she could bear!

Tyler's breathing slowed enough for her to speak.

"Svala, Brand and the men are in trouble. Long story short, ever since I've been here, something's been bothering me about Leif and Brand...but I couldn't figure out why. Today, it all came back to me. In my time, I read a book about Brand. He was betrayed by Leif and was killed. The summons from Halfdan and Ivar isn't real, it was contrived by Leif and some Saxons...Brand is walking into a trap!"

As Tyler spoke, Svala's jaw dropped in horrified shock. She covered her mouth with her hands, her big eyes wide.

She did not need the use of her gift to validate what Tyler said.

Svala knew with all her heart that her friend spoke the truth. How had she not discerned this before Brand and the men had left...before she had allowed Brand and Bjor to walk away into danger?

"Svala, I'm going after them myself," Tyler was saying.

"What? No! I cannot allow you to roam the countryside alone! You will be harmed! Let us not be foolhardy...we must devise a plan," Svala said with more conviction than she felt.

Tyler stood.

"Svala, we don't have time for all that. And we can't tell anyone else, either. How would we explain how I came by the knowledge that Brand is walking into a trap?" she asked.

"We can say it was something that came to me in a vision," Svala replied.

"Then the men who were supposed to stay and guard the rest of us will go after Brand. The keep will be completely defenseless. In case those Saxons decide to invade early, there should be somebody here to fight them off," Tyler reasoned.

"Honestly, I can't stay here and wait, Svala. I have to get to him before he's killed. I know now why I was sent here. I can't fail!"

The urgency in Tyler's voice was Svala's undoing.

"I come with you, Tyler. You know nothing of this land. We will need horses, but leave that to me," she said. Her tone brooked no argument.

As the two women rushed down the path toward the stables, both were deeply troubled. Each silently prayed that they would reach the men in time. Neither allowed herself to think about what would happen if they were too late.

***

Tyler was spooked.

Svala had managed to procure two horses for them, and they were now stealthily making their way through the pitch black forest. She now wished she'd listened to Svala.

This was the first time Tyler had ever been outside of the keep this late at night. The forest looked like something from a horror movie, and she half expected Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers to come ripping through the brush.

She forced her thoughts on the task at hand and remembered that all this would be worth it when they found Brand and saved the men from certain demise.

By the time they had traveled for a couple hours, both women's nerves were on edge. Every owl, every snap that came from the forest floor made them jump. When the wolves began to howl, Tyler almost lost her cool.

Neither woman spoke. They were both too afraid, and didn't want the sound of their voices to alert anyone or anything of their presence.

By the fourth hour, Tyler was near tears. This was a horrible mistake. She and Svala hadn't packed any food, she was cold, her limbs were aching from sitting astride her horse, she was scared shitless, and the men were nowhere in sight.

Just when she would slump forward in defeat, a shrill whistle pierced through the night. Tyler and Svala jerked up, not knowing whether to be grateful for the sound or afraid.

The two friends reined in their horses and huddled together.

"There is no need to be frightened," Svala reassured Tyler quietly. "We are saved."

Tyler peered at her friend and accepted her word as gospel. The irony of what she had said wasn't lost on Tyler. They were on a mission to save the men but had needed saving instead.

Just then, there was movement in front of them that seemed to materialize from the bowels of the black forest. Tensing, Tyler squinted and tried to see who was moving toward them. She grabbed Svala's hand and nervously squeezed it.

Even though her friend had said they were safe, Tyler was still nervous.

The form drew nearer and she could now make out a big, black horse. She waited anxiously, silently urging the horseman to come into the spot of bright moonlight. When he did, tears sprang to her eyes and Tyler trembled, overwhelmed with relief.

It was Brand.

***

He was near frothing at the mouth he was so angry. When the scout had told Brand that they were being trailed by Tyler and Svala, he could hardly believe his ears. He had asked no questions but had jumped on his horse and rode at a breakneck speed from their camp and through the wood.

When Brand came upon the two fools, it was obvious they were exhausted and nearly frozen to death. They were hours away from the manor and had traveled with no provisions, no weapons...not one form of protection.

He still could not believe it.

Brand sat astride Sleipnir for a moment and didn't move. He fought with all his might to rein in his temper but was failing miserably. He wanted to wring Tyler's scrawny little neck for attempting something so foolhardy; and he wanted to do the same to Svala for allowing Tyler to talk her into this...he had no doubt that Tyler was indeed the mastermind behind this entire plot.

As he dismounted his horse, Brand signaled to Bjor to help Svala off her mare. He would allow his commander to deal with her...Brand had his hands full as it was. Wordlessly, he walked up to Tyler and unceremoniously dragged her off the horse.

He held her steady as her legs buckled beneath her. No doubt the little imbeciles had not stopped to stretch or allow their horses to rest. How could they in the dead of night? Brand was getting angrier and angrier by the second.

Her neck looked so enticing. Would that he could only wrap one hand around it and squeeze...

"Brand—" Tyler began, but she was cut off by the murderous glint in his eyes.

She'd never seen him this angry before. His face was pulled into a ferocious scowl and a muscle in his jaw jumped. There was even a vein in the middle of his forehead that fascinated Tyler. She stared at it, watching as his skin became mottled with red.

"Tyler, why are you and Svala here?" he asked, his voice deceptively calm. It was conversational even.

She pulled her gaze from his forehead and looked over at Bjor. His booming voice nearly drowned Brand out as he yelled at Svala, thoroughly affirming his displeasure.

Tyler looked into Brand's silvery eyes.

Yeah, he was mad as hell, too. Even with that knowledge, she wasn't afraid. She trusted Brand with her all and knew that he'd never do a thing to harm her.

Sure he may want to choke her out right now, but that was the difference. He'd never act on his baser instincts.

"Brand, I know this is going to sound crazy, but the summons isn't from Halfdan and Ivar. It's a set up!"

He frowned down at her.

"Explain, woman," he said darkly.

Tyler drew in a deep breath. This is the part that had bothered her. What if Brand didn't believe her? He had to...she just had to convince him of the truth! His life depended on it...everybody's lives depended on it.

"Svala...in a vision, she saw that the summons was a ruse to get you and the men here so that some Saxons can overtake you. You're an obstacle that Leif had to remove in order to become lord," she explained.

Tyler watched as several emotions played over Brand's face. There was doubt, followed by comprehension; then there was disbelief which was immediately replaced by anger. The final emotion she read almost broke her heart.

It was hurt.

They both knew that Brand had greatly underestimated Leif's hatred for him. Tyler hoped that this would be a wakeup call that would show Brand that his cousin was a very real, very dangerous enemy.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "When I...when Svala realized the summons wasn't real, I just had to get to you. I know I could've told someone or sent a messenger but I had to see you, had to make sure you were safe."

At her impassioned plea, Brand could not remain angry with her. She had after all saved his life...she had saved a great many lives. If Leif's plan had come to fruition, it would mean the end to all he held dear.

"There is none other like you, Tyler. I owe you my life," Brand said gruffly. "But you are correct...it was foolish of you and Svala, two women, to travel alone in such a manner. You could very well have sent a messenger, for when Svala speaks, I take heed."

Tyler nodded her understanding and sniffled. Brand gently brought her chin up and brushed the tear away with his thumb. Then he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

"We will discuss this more. And then we will finish our talks with hours upon hours of lovemaking," he promised quietly.

Tyler shivered with anticipation.

Brand produced a blanket and wrapped it around her.

"Berg, Grim, escort the women back to the manor," he commanded.

His mind was already turning with different ways to deal with his cousin. But for now, he focused his attentions on the enemy that lie in wait for them.

Adrenaline pumped through his veins as the scent of battle coursed through the night air. Brand's hands itched to grab his sword and axe and pull them free of their constraints. Not yet...soon, but not yet.

Mounting Sleipnir, he gave more orders and dispatched some of his men to scout for the Saxons. He spoke fervently and with inspiration to the rest.

"Give praise to the gods and make your entreaties to the Valkyrie. For this night, we feast on Saxon flesh! A-Viking!" he rumbled.

Similar cries disturbed the quiet evening as the men charged their horses in pursuit of the enemy, in pursuit of battle.

***

Tyler was so happy to be back at the manor, and was so happy that she and Svala had made it to Brand and the men in time.

But she was dog-tired.

After begging Svala to take her chambers while she slept in Brand's, Tyler had requested bath water and was now lying back in the steaming liquid.

Her muscles ached from all those hours on the horse, and then she'd had to turn right back around and endure four more hours. By the time the keep was in sight, Tyler had come very close to weeping.

She wouldn't be surprised if she was bow-legged now.

As she closed her eyes and allowed the heat from the water to massage her kinks and bruises, she didn't really register the sound of the door opening and closing. Tyler assumed it was Asgerd or Svala and kept her eyes closed.