"Britta? Can you hear me?" A low husky voice broke through the warm blanket of numbness that held me tightly cocooned in its arms.

I inwardly groaned in irritation. I silently willed the voice to leave me be. The cloak of insensibility was soothing.

It was suddenly snatched away from me as the voice became more demanding. My only response was to curl deeper into the pleasantly warm embrace that was securely wrapped around me.

I did not wish to wake. I could block out everything around me if I stayed in the cradle of warmth. I knew the agony and grief would slowly kill me from the inside if I opened my eyes and faced reality.

"Britta, please wake up," the throaty tone pleaded softly.

After several breaths, I could not resist the low appealing voice. Ever so slowly, I turned my face away from the warmness and opened my eyes. I blinked furiously as I regarded three evident things as I finally fought the grogginess away from my mind.

The first thing I noticed was that I was lying in my handsome captor's arms, which surprisingly were ones I slightly relished but knew I should not. Second, I did not recognize my surroundings, the forest around me vast and unfamiliar. And lastly were the four large men looming over me, peering down in a mixture of apprehension, worry, and curiosity.

Overwhelmed, I squealed in terror.

I nimbly jumped out of the barbarian's arms and frantically scrambled backward away from them until I felt the comforting touch of bark against my back. Sniveling in dismay, I self-consciously dragged my soiled silk dress over my dirty feet and curled my arms around my legs in a protective position.

I pressed myself against the tree, the harsh timber skin digging painfully. The urge of being absorbed into my surroundings was strong. If the goddess Jörð herself opened the earth and I fell into the ground completely, swallowed whole, I would not be afraid.

Grief made people think and do crazy things, and I was thinking of any possible way to get away from the men in front of me.

I slowly looked around me, taking in my surroundings while my captor and his men stared at me. I simply chose to ignore them.

Crouched against the tall tree, I peered at the unfamiliar woodland. We were in a small opening, large enough for all of the men and their horses to rest. There were many of them, too many for my comfort. A generous fire blazed brightly in the middle of the clearing, providing warmth to the men on this cold eventide. This forest was unlike the full evergreen trees near my village. The trees were barren with small piles of snow on numerous thick branches. They towered over us, nearly reaching the stars and I could make out the peaks of mountains with the help of the moonlight and Nordlys.

Wait.

Mountains?

How did we travel to the mountains so expeditiously? The closest mountain range from my homeland was almost four days time on foot or at least two days time on horseback. And that was the Oksskolten mountains.

My jaw dropped, flabbergasted at a new thought.

How long was I unconscious for?

I swung my gaze upon my abductor. My breathing escaped in harsh pants as I realized that I needed to get away as soon as the opportunity arose.

A plan slowly began twirling in my mind. These men did not know who I was...nor how I was raised amongst the woodland. I would simply have to await until they chose to leave me by myself. Then I would flee from their grasp.

Thankfully Pappa and my brothers taught me how to cover my tracks while out wandering the forest. I could survive on my own until I found a neighboring clan to take me in.

I silently prayed to Odin that my erratic temper would not ruin my plan.

I pulled my thoughts away from my developing plan as I saw someone inch closer. It was the handsome giant. I watched him with narrowed eyes.

The imprisoner slowly slid towards me with his hands held up in the air, silently telling me that he meant no harm. I nearly scoffed out loud at his actions. This man, assumedly being the leader, was the one who ordered my people to be killed. He was the reason for my torment. The sole reason why everyone I loved and cared about was dead. I glared at him in absolute loathing.

His warm vaguely familiar eyes peered into mine with caution, almost treating me like a cornered wounded animal.

But in truth I was.

A terrified cornered being.

He shifted closer, only a small distance separated us now, his dark boots grazing my toes. I leaned away from the heat radiating off his body. A small part wanted to lean in and curl into him, but I refused to succumb to my foolish traitorous wants. My eyes looked into his with contempt while he gazed back with cautious interest and what looked like admiration.

"Rett og slett vakker," He whispered softly, hesitantly raising his hand and he gently caressed my cheek. My traitorous heart began pounding faster at his light touch.

I snapped my teeth at his hand. I did not feel beautiful, I could only feel the consuming grief that squeezed my heart painfully.

An amused twinkle entered his dark brown eyes. "You will be fun to tame, my little wildcat." He chuckled. My eyes narrowed in annoyance at his name for me.

I sharply inhaled in alarm as I caught the disfigurement on his handsome facial features. I did not notice the long scar that stretched across his face when I first laid eyes on him, as the smoke from the fire was too thick. It did not help that it was his expressive hypnotic eyes that I first noticed either.

The scar was noticeable from a distance but more so impressive as we were nearly breathing the same air. The textured skin started on the left side near his temple and ran crookedly down along his cheekbone before sharply curving into the crease of his mouth before ending on the other side of his strong jaw. The scar was pale with a tinge of pink in the middle, instinctively fathoming he gained this wound not long ago. The long scar only enhanced his rugged sable features. I did not pity him, as Pappa once told me to condole a warrior's scars was to give him the ultimate dishonor. Instead, I had the strangest urge to reach up and run my fingertips along the rugged scar. I was desperate to touch it and memorize the feel of it.

His alluring lips curved up in a crooked smile as he stared back at me in amusement once he realized what I was staring at. I blushed furiously at being caught doing something Mamma would have scolded me for.

"W-Who are you?" I asked softly. I tried clearing my throat, wincing when I felt a sharp pain like hot branding swords slowly sliding down my windpipe.

"I am Aderick Dahlsten, Jarl of the Dahlsten clan." He declared.

I nodded slightly to myself. I had heard of him before. He became Jarl only but a few winters ago when the old callous Jarl was killed in battle. I heard whispers of his ruthlessness, similar to his sire. I had also heard within the corridors of my home that he was not exactly like his creator. More...tolerant in a way. Kare and Ran often discussed his attacking methods and the tortures he inflicted on survivors of raids amongst other vile practices of his people.

What did he want with me? Why was I a survivor? I was no use to him.

Looking away from his intense stare, I focused on the men behind him. They gazed at me with caution, a few had their heads tilted to the side as if to figure out what I was. If I was not shaking in fear I would have laughed out loud in humor.

They all wore the same leather armor and mail like the man crouched before me. I recognized the twins from before with their shock of blond hair, identical faces, tall structure, and their green eyes. The other two were their physical opposite, with dark features similar to my captor. One watched with clear mistrust in his blue eyes. His head was shaved barring a piece down the middle of his head in which he kept braided back. His fingers constantly grazed his sword at his side. I edged closer toward the tree in unease of the dangerous presence of him.

The other broad-shouldered man next to him had a hint of amusement in his twinkling light brown eyes, and he seemed to be the most relaxed out of all of them with his big grin. His ruffled hair was short unlike the others and black as the night sky.

All of these men were built for war, hard muscles evident, their faces smeared with war paint. I turned my assessing eyes towards my captor. Judging I was curious about the other men, he twisted around and introduced me to the others with a disgruntled look.

"These are my most trusted men. Ragnar is my second in command," He gestured to the man with the shaved head.

"Balder is my cousin and also third in command," he pointed to the man with the amused golden eyes.

"And those two are my fiercest warriors, Ivar and Trond." The twins nodded their head at me. The brute turned back towards me with a crooked smile on his black-smeared face, eyes watchful.

"W-What do you want with me? I am n-no use to you nor your men," I whispered desperately. "Just let me go and I shall never speak a word."

Aderick released a sharp laugh. "I cannot do that, min søte."

"Why not?" I challenged, furious at his lax demeanor.

"Because, kjære, you are my future bride," He said. I noticed the possessive gleam in his dark eyes as my chest caved in fear.

The blanket of numbing blackness rushed towards me and I surrendered to it willingly.

*.*.*

I moaned in discomfort as my cramped body swayed back and forth. I was in a warm embrace once more, and by the swaying motion, I knew we were traveling on horseback.

Blinking my eyes open, I soaked in my surroundings. The morning sun shined bright through the treeline, reflecting off the snow on the ground and branches. The woods were the same as before, empty of leaves but covered with snow. We were getting closer to the mountains as the wind picked up and sent swirls of flurries around us. I shivered in fear and at the coldness that filled my bones. A breath shuddered out of my lungs as another small detail entered my mind with a trace of fear.

We were close to the Dahlsten village.

I squeezed my eyes tight as I remembered the devastation from last night. My mind wanted to deny everything that had happened in the past few hours, but my eyes did not deceive me. I watched the beloved church burn to the ground with my family inside. My mother died in my arms. My stomach rolled in protest at the flashback.

I angled my body away from my captor's warmth even though my freezing body craved it. I did not want to touch him. Maybe a small, traitorous part did but those wants are foolish. I sat as far away as I could without falling out of the saddle. He glanced down at me in question, confused why all of a sudden I did not lean into his embrace like before.

I glared at him in loathing until my eyes misted with tears. Finally, with a loud sob, I began crying in earnest at the all of the loved ones I lost in such short time. Less than a moon's rise and fall. I am not sure how long I wept for, but I whimpered as my well of tears ran dry. I was not a crier, not like a newborn babe, but I could not help the yawning sadness within my soul.

He only curled his arms tighter around me and used his black cloak to cover me from watching eyes. It was unusual that he comforted me in my time of grieving when he was the source of my torment.

Pain transformed into anger as I turned to look up at him. He looked back with wariness in his dark eyes.

I punched him in the chest as hard as I could with my fists as rage and grief consumed me.

"Would you stop that? Ouch!" He muttered as I jabbed him hard on the side, the cloak falling away from us. A few of his men snickered at the sight.

I did not pay heed to them, as my fury was directed at him. My hits became weaker as the energy from my anger faded. The unbearably heavy weight of reality pressed down on me, making it difficult to breathe.

I would no longer be able to play pranks on the amused and patient servants of the manor with my little Leif. No more would I take daily long walks with Pappa in the forest. There would be no more baking sessions with Mamma, Astrid, Jette, and Linnea. And I would no longer be able to watch Kare and Ran argue about the smallest things by the eventide fire.

My body slumped in exhaustion and heartache against my captor's body and a deep ache in my head began to make my eyes throb.

I frowned, trying to relieve some pain of my pounding head. I longed for some of Astrid's herbal tea for helping my sudden headaches. I felt a callused finger rub between my brows and I closed my eyes. I nearly moaned in pleasure as the pain lessened a touch.

"You should stop frowning, kjære. You shall gain little lines on your face if you do not stop," His low voice murmured to me.

I heaved an irritated sigh, my eyes flashing open. This brute made my hands tremble with the need to smack him.

Instead, I gave into the strong urge that I have had since I first laid eyes on Aderick Dahlsten.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

His eyes widened in surprise before he threw his head back and roared with laughter. Inwardly rolling my eyes, I closed them and fell into a light slumber against his chest.

I woke to the sun beaming down from high in the sky, the group of warriors and my captor came to halt in front of a large wooden gate. The horses nickered and pranced in anticipation to keep moving. Layers of snow piled high on the Dahlsten fortress walls, covering the tops of the tall guard posts as well. The entrance was built for any attack with thick wooden pillars and pale gray stone layered high.

I watched men look down at us from up above, making a signal towards the ground then suddenly the gates opened with a loud groan.

I grew nervous as we entered the village. People began gathering outside of buildings to watch the large group enter from outside the walls. I could feel the curious and wary stares on me as we passed by. I stared back at some in defiance and watched a few brows raise. Finally, I turned away as I burrowed my head into my abductor's neck, curling myself deeper into his arms and I felt him tightening them in response.

After what seemed several minutes moving through the town we took a turn on the dirt road and crept upwards on a gentle ascent. I finally noticed the large manor on top of the path through the thick trees. The manor looked similar to the one I grew up in with the dark wood structure with windows and gray stone pillars wrapping around the large entrance doors. It seemed to be much bigger than my home, I realized in surprise once we got closer. Once we reached the doors to the manor, my imprisoner hopped down from his horse then wrapped his hands around my waist and gently set me down on the ground.

My legs wobbled for several moments as I tried gaining support from my numb limbs. I could not help but release a small groan as my bones popped and creaked from being curled in his arms for so long.

I felt a warm hand slide around my waist as he began walking toward the open doors to his home. Deciding not to make a fuss about his possessive gesture in front of the clan members, I trailed behind him, apprehensive of what to expect once I stepped foot into his home.

I heard a loud feminine squeal from the inside of the manor.

"Aderick! You are back!" A small body hurled into his thick arms.

I took a step away from the two hugging, glancing around warily for an exit. They were obviously close, a strange feeling of irritation and sorrow grew as I watched them. I shifted nervously, uncomfortable at the feelings inside of me. The petite frame pulled away from the man, frantically looking at him as if inspecting for wounds. He only chuckled at the mystery woman and shook his head.

"I am fine, Ingrid. I promise. Actually, I want you to meet someone," He said as he glanced at me.

The woman's dark eyes snapped towards me and they widened in surprise. She looked akin to Aderick with her tan skin, deep brown eyes and long black hair that was twisted in a braid. I assumed she was a relative at least. My previous thoughts of jealousy caused a deep flush to rise to my face. I was such an addlepate, as Ran would have called me. The woman barely reached his chest, she was not very tall. She had the same build as Astrid. I grew sad as I thought of my deceased sister.

The young woman wore a rich purple gown with intricate silver stitching and it suddenly made me self-conscious of my own dirty rags of clothes. I pulled my worn cloak around me to protect myself from her scrutinizing gaze.

Ingrid turned her fixed stare back towards the dark brute. She mouthed something to him that I did not catch and he nodded curtly. She gasped and shifted her attention towards me again. My eyes snapped back and forth between the two of them in confusion.

She tossed a warm comforting smile towards me. "Pardon me, where are my manners? My name is Ingrid, this big oaf's sister," she said, rolling her eyes towards my captor.

I gave her a small smile. "My name is Britta," I replied softly. I could not help but shiver as I felt a gust of frigid air come from outside into the entrance of the manor.

Ingrid frowned at me then turned her scowl towards her brother.

"Ade, look at her! She is dead on her feet and nearly frozen to death!" She scolded him like a mother to her troublesome child.

Her face wrinkled as she looked back at me, her sharp eyes assessing me. "Go have one of the servants fetch the dressmaker. She is too tall for any of my dresses." Ingrid muttered, waving towards one of the twins who stood beside me.

She suddenly skipped towards me and weaved her arm through mine. Her energy and moxie made me paste a small smile on my face. Her presence was uplifting from this past day.

Ingrid began dragging me deeper into the manor before yelling a good-bye to the others. She lead me through the corridors of the elaborate home and we finally stopped before one of the doors in the east wing.