"Do we have any further progress on finding that drittsekk?" I quietly asked my men as we sat in my private room.

'Twas well into the night as we gathered in the dimly lit room, more for my sake of mind. I did not want to alert anyone within the manor of our late notice meeting. Once Britta fell asleep after our lovemaking, I left quietly to come here. Her exhaustion from the past days events and heavy sleeping played well for me on this occasion. I assumed many of the wedded men in this room did the same before arriving.

Days passed and there was still no sign of this man, until that night. He was smart and thrifty, always careful of us finding him. Three women lost their lives to his man's crazed want of my wife. It boiled my blood that he threatened to take Britta away and attacked my people.

One of those girls could have been my Britta, min kjære, tied to the tree, beaten and killed carelessly.

I closed my eyes as I recalled the conversations I had with two of the girls' families. They were devastated and befuddled of how their young daughters had met such a tragic and horrific death. The other girl, the thrall, was buried along with the other deceased servants of the manor. As a Jarl, this was the one task that I loathed the most; informing families that their loved ones were not coming home from either a raid, such a freak accident such as this. The guilt and pain I felt from that night still hung on my shoulders, and I was beginning to feel the heavy pressure of my people's safety, as well as my little wildcat, on my shoulders.

The message was clear; the man had heard of our nuptials and he was furious. That sick, demented man did not deserve a spot in Valhalla amongst the gods.

My finger tapped a relentless rhythm on the wooden table in front of me. Ragnar sat to my right, his fingers stroking his chin in thought, Balder to my left. He twirled his dagger around his hands and stared aimlessly across the room. His golden eyes met mine and finally looked away as Dag spoke.

"Nei, Jarl Aderick. The fresh snow on the ground covered any tracks nearing the mountain, so no man passed through there."

I glanced at my warrior who was sent to scout near the sea, and he responded with a low shake of his head. I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists until my hands throbbed.

How?

I slammed my fists down on the table. "That is not good enough, and all of you know that! We must have some sort of information."

All but Balder and Ragnar flinched at my loud roar. The table shuddered underneath my touch, the wood splintering and digging into my hands. I demanded respect and loyalty from all my men, yet I could not help but look around at all the men gathered suspiciously. After all that Britta and I had gone through together, I thought my questioning amongst others was ideal. Some of the men looked a bit worn and tired, more than likely from heavy drinking and sleeping around too much. The week long wedding celebrations were finally over, now they could focus on what was important.

I made it my talent to read people to see if they were lying or had done something they should not have, Ingrid hated this honed quality of mine. If any of these men would have betrayed me, I would have known by their actions and words since the poisoning.

I grumbled darkly underneath my breath and began pacing behind my chair, rubbing my brow.

What happened numerous eventides ago was our appalling message from post-wedding reality. It shook us from the cloud surrounding our minds to what was really happening. When my people were celebrating and enjoying themselves, one man was not.

Though my mind and body were focused on Britta throughout the past seven days, the man from the valley and the poisoning continued to run through my head constantly. I was nearly distrustful of my people as I knew I had a traitor amongst me, one that had ill will toward my wife.

There was only a select few that knew of the plant used in the poison, a few men and select scant servants that fetched it for Eir; who contained a portion hidden away to create more antitoxins and juices from the poisonous leaves.

I wracked my mind again and again for the person behind the poisoning, but it left me puzzled to whom could have it. Marit was out of the question, as she was sent away from the manor to my kin's home to cook and clean. She was not allowed to come into my home, only if she was accompanied by another.

Then who committed the crime?

I straightened my back before facing the group in front of me. "The deaths that occurred two nights past were committed by the same man that nearly raped Britta. The resemblances were too obvious betwixt the girls and her. I want us to spread out within groups and begin tracking deeper and farther than we have ever been. That fucker shall not breathe another day under my watch. I want men to travel to the north, south, the sea, and hell even the eastern part of the country, though we have yet to discover the land there. I do not care where you go, but you need to find a lead or trace that shall bring us closer to this man. Do not come home until you bring back something to me."

"Fetch the map!" I bellowed with a wave of a hand, sending the other across the table to clear it as Ivar hurried back with the large map in his grasp.

Quickly, I split the men into several groups, pointing to the areas in which I wished them to scout and travel. I sent Ragnar to the eastern portion of the land, an unknown yet heavily possible area. I planned to send a majority of them to the new area with Ragnar, I did not want to be unprepared.

"Ade, where did that man find Britta? Did she ever tell you where she hid that first night she ran away? Perchance we can find a lead there," Balder inquired as he continued to twirl that gods-forsaken knife in his hands.

I paused before stiffening. The mountain, of course! Britta had told me what seemed like so long ago about the small cave that she crept into where the man had found her. I did not connect the cave with the man...perchance it was his place to remain so near our home.

So close to Britta.

My body began to flush hot at my stirring rage. My teeth snapped together and I ground my jaw tightly before turning to a twin.

"Trond, I want you and two men to go up into the mountain, find that cave where she hid and try finding more clues about the man and where he lives. Pack warm and heavy, and do not die from the winter's touch," I said, staring at him heavily along with two others that I instinctively paired him with. "Do not disappoint me," I gritted out.

Once everyone was aware of the abrupt yet important plans, I sent them away to get rest until dawn and tell their loved ones goodbye. Just before Balder crossed the threshold, I called out to him to wait.

"I must ask you an important favor. I need you to stay behind and protect Britta. I am leaving at dawn as well with the others. But I trust you to remain here and protect my wife. Vær så snill, Balder," I grasped his forearm with my hand, looking at him with all seriousness I could muster.

While I was gone, I was placing the most important possession and person in my life in his hands, and I could not ask anyone else this kind of help.

His gold eyes blazed with instant fury at my command. He may see it as a weakness upon his training as a warrior, but this was nearly the most important role of it all. After everything, my first priority was Britta; her well-being and safety. I tightened my grasp on his arm in response to his defiance, digging my fingers into his flesh. He let out a long sigh before clasping my arm that was gripping his.

He nodded his head before swallowing. " I shall protect her with my life, Aderick."

"Thank you, cousin," I whispered before letting go of his arm.

I ran a hand over my hair before turning on my heel to walk back into the room. I dropped into the chair with a grunt, my head rolling back for me to look up at the ceiling. I nearly winced at the sharp pain that suddenly began to throb along my temples. The stress was beginning to take a deep toll on my body, as much as I desired to hide it from others, 'twas hard to do so from those who were close to me; my family and Britta.

A full cup of ale was slapped onto the table in front of me, sloshing around dangerously before settling down. I flashed my focus from the cup to my kin who also held a brimming cup in his grasp. He plopped down in the seat across from me, taking a sip before he fiddled with his woven shirt on his wrist.

"Do you intend to tell her of your plans?" He asked softly, his eyes glancing up to me in question.

I shook my head before letting out a sigh. I lifted the cup to my lips before gulping down the liquid. "Nei. 'Tis best if I leave before she awakes, she would attempt to convince me to stay and I cannot do that. I must find that man and kill him myself."

"She shall be furious," He mused darkly. "You better prepare to grovel when you come home. You know how feisty she can be," Balder said with a small grin tugging his lips.

I nodded in agreement. Britta was going to let me never rest until she believed I understood well and completely that I would never in my life do that again to her. I just knew she would. And to be honest, the creative way she would tempt me and that look in her captivating eyes that promised heat when forgiven made me excited.

Perchance there was something wrong with me.

But as long as I returned alive and well, I did not mind what she did, as holding her in my arms once more would be what I would look forward to as soon as I left. It would be my prize...the want of her in my own protection.

Unlike Balder, I had something or someone to come home to - the desire to be with her again would be enough to keep my stubborn, worn self out of harm's way to come home alive.

Immersed in my thoughts, I did not realize that I was unconsciously downing the ale as I pondered. I believed I was on my third or fourth cup, but I did not recall pouring more ale from the pitcher. My lips tingled and I blew them in annoyance as the tingles spread across my face.

My eyes glanced to my kin who was watching me with amusement. I gave him a taunting finger symbol before extending my empty cup towards the pitcher that sat in front of him. Balder smirked before pouring a generous amount.

"I lost you to your thoughts, Ade, though they do seem rather dark. Tell me what is bothering you," He said as he sat back in his fur covered seat.

"Did you hear of the fate of Britta and I told by Eir?" I mused lightly, looking into the fire to my right against the wall before glancing down at my already empty cup.

Balder's furrowed brows narrowed his eyes as he looked at me bewildered. "Your fate? What did she say?"

I looked mournfully into my cup, sadness blooming deep in my chest, inwardly cursing fate. "That either Britta or I shall possibly die from this upcoming war that is to come our way."

"But you do not believe what Eir says...she is loony, all of us know that," Balder argued with a wave of his hand.

I shrugged hopelessly. "Britta believes her words wholeheartedly, but she is determined that it shall not come true. Our fate is due to change at any time," I whispered softly, possible grief-filled outcomes flashed in my tortured mind.

"Aderick, listen to me. You know damn well that you are the master of your fate and I know you shall do everything in your power to stop this drittsekk and protect Britta. Do not lose faith, my brother. You and Britta shall survive this time and create a family that our people shall talk about for ages. You both shall grow old together until your eldest son is ready to take the clan under his leadership, releasing the stress off your shoulders. It shall all be fine in the end, Ade."

My head cocked to the side as I stared hard at my kin. He was known for his jokes and bantering manner, this serious persona was a refreshing change from his jesting self. A smile tugged at my lips.

I set the cup down on the table gently before looking at Balder in the eye. "Takk skal du ha, Balder. Thank you." I murmured loudly enough for him to hear.

"Now, enough moping and go to your woman. I am sure she is missing you," He said with a wistful smile.

I grinned widely before nodding, my lips still numb, rising slowly from the chair. My upper body swayed before I shook myself. The ale was hitting me harder than I realized.

I walked, or shall I say stumbled, around the desk and towards the door. I could hear Balder quenching the fire before following me out into the corridors. Turning my head toward him, I nodded before heading down the hall to my chambers. I kept a hand along the wall as I walked, careful not to bump into anything as I finally made it before the door to my room. I hesitated before pushing the door open, soaking in the sight of my wife strung out along the bed. I smiled at her.

Her bright colored curls were in a disarray amongst the pillows, or I should say my pillow as she was curled up on my side of the bed.

As if she felt my gaze upon her, her body let out a soft sigh and flipped over to lay on her back, looking like a gift from the gods with her marvelous beauty. I slowly made my way to her, pulling off my clothes until I was fully naked. I slipped quietly under the furs before pressing my body against her bare curves.

Britta let out a moan as I gripped her flesh and manipulated it before turning her towards me. Her lashes fluttered before opening, her hazel orbs glazed over with sleep. She smiled gently before kissing me softly and I grasped her head betwixt my palms as I deepened the kiss. I quickly moved on top of her, not breaking the kiss, wanting to feel her all around me until I could smell her scented skin on mine when I was gone.

She completely woke up as her legs fell to the sides to grip tightly around my hips, understanding how much I needed her in this moment. I began to slowly make love to the woman who held my damaged and scarred heart in her small hands. Every breathy sigh and moan fueled me to continue well into the night, but I knew I had to get some rest before rising again to leave. As we reached our climaxes, I curled her deep into my arms, still connected within her as our breathing slowed to a regular pace. We moved to our sides as our skin cooled, eventually slipping us both into the tempting atmosphere of slumber.

Her eyes began fluttering shut even though she tried to stay awake, but I pressed a kiss on both her eyelids to reassure her. Her red swollen lips crept into a delicate small smile before her head nuzzled into my shoulder.

As she fell asleep once more, I stayed awake, watching as the dark colors of the night bled into the soft hues of daybreak through the window. My fingers brushed over her locks repeatedly as I continued to contemplate.

I closed my eyes just for a brief moment, memorizing this moment and all the emotions tied to it, storing it for when I most needed it.

I would die for this woman, and if it narrowed down between the two of us leaving this world, I would happily sacrifice my life to ensure my wife's safety and well-being.

That, I had no doubt.

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