Page 47 of To Tame a Viking Warlord

"I made no promise. You made one and put my name to it without asking." Torstein reached back and took Samira's hand, and drew her forward. "And even if I had, it would not matter. This is my wife. Samira. We were wed in Morocco by the law of her land, and again in Thurso by the law of ours, by oaths and the church and before witnesses."

Leif drew the charter from its case and held it up. "They were married at Thurso. Blessed by Father Donnan, who holds the church there for the jarl. Bride-price counted into her own hands before free men. The sword given and the sword taken." He held the charter up so the crowd could see the marks at the bottom. "We all witnessed it and will swear to it before the jarl."

Kolbein jabbed a finger at the curling script beneath the Latin. "And what is that?"

"That is my name," Samira said, in Norn. It came out clear and hard. "I am not his thrall. I am his legal wife twice over."

The crowd was silent, but most were surprised that Samira spoke in their own tongue to defend her position. Norn was exclusively spoken in Orkney, Shetland, Caithness and the Northern Isles.

Then Estrid's eyes found hers, and there was nothing but pure hatred in them.

Kolbein stared at the vellum and gritted his teeth. "But Estrid was supposed to be your wife. She was supposed to be mistress of your household."

"Samira is my one and only lawful wife," Torstein said. "If I die tomorrow, all I own is hers, and our children's after her. Not Estrid's. Not her child's."

He looked at Estrid then, one last time. "And before all witnesses I declare that Estrid will never set foot in my homestead. Not as a guest. Not for any reason. That house is reserved for Samira and the children she will bear me. No one else."

Kolbein's jaw worked. "The jarl will hear of this."

"Let him hear it. I will tell him myself," Torstein replied, still clutching Samira's hand.

At that moment a deep rumbling voice could be heard from behind them. "No need. I have heard enough," said Jarl Thorfinn Sigurdsson as he walked through the crowd.

People bowed in deference.

"Kolbein and Estrid, why are ye causing so much trouble? My man and his crew have nae even had a moment to step onto our shores and ye are arguing. Can ye not see they have endured a long journey?"

Kolbein and Estrid tried to splutter in protest but the jarl raised his palm to silence them.

Then he came directly towards Samira. He simply studied her a moment, his eyes softened slightly as he looked at her, then his gaze flicked to where her hand was joined with Torstein's. He took in Torstein's stance and noticed the slight shift as Torstein stood a little in front of Samira as if to protect her. Then the strangest thing happened to the usually dark, brooding and serious-faced jarl. Thorfinn threw his head back and burst out laughing. His smile, truth be told, was rather disconcerting; he had very sharp, unforgiving facial features.

He then pulled Torstein into a hug, thumping his back and gripping his shoulder. "I see you have found what it is you have been seeking all these years. Now, step aside and do not shield yer wife from me."

Torstein grinned, nodded and then brought Samira forward to meet his jarl. "This is my wife, Samira al-Idrissi."

Samira bowed slightly in reverence and smiled at the jarl.

Thorfinn's brow went up. "The merchant's daughter?"

"Aye, the very one," Torstein replied.

Thorfinn shook his head with a smile. "I asked ye to retrieve a parcel and ye bring home a wife instead."

"Actually, Jarl, Samira is the parcel, or at least part of it. I have the pendant here in my boist. I ask that you take it and secure it in your hold. Many have tried to steal it already."

Thorfinn took on a surprised look. "Well, then I see there is much to discuss away from prying eyes." He took the boist and held it tight, even refusing to give it to his guardsman. "Tomorrow night I will have Ingibiorg, my wife, host a celebration feast in honor of your return. Rest tonight for I can see the journey has been a long one. Then come and see me in my private chambers before the feast. I will have extra guards posted at your estate tonight."

Torstein thanked him then stepped away.

Kolbein chose that moment to try and speak to Jarl Thorfinn, but he simply said, "If Torstein Hagansson says the child is not his, then it is not his. His marriage to Samira is binding. Your daughter's claim will not stand. Perhaps 'tis time you found another house to join."

Thorfinn then greeted the rest of the crew and soon they were inundated with families of the crew coming forward to greet their menfolk.

***

SAMIRA DID NOT SPEAK until they were alone at the top of the beach. She was still a little overwhelmed by all that had transpired since they stepped off the ship.

"You did not tell me about Estrid," she said.