Enchantment

By David Anthony Brown

When Ashilda finally returns home to Uppsala, Idona gets to hold her once lover in her arms again. At last, after years of separation, Idona brings Ashilda back to the secret grove where it all began.

But years apart means life moved on for both of them.

Not even a love potion or a fight to the death can keep Idona away from her one true love.

If you enjoy Scandinavian inspired fantasy with a lesbian romance, be sure to read Enchantment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hermit Muse Publishing
• Release date: Jan 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393748397

Book preview

1

Ashilda Svensdotter was always a charmer in my eyes. When she returned to Uppsala before Midsummer, I was elated to finally hold my friend in my arms once more. Like a Midsummer's breeze, she was refreshing and cool—chill, reminiscent of the cold to arrive at winter, but a relief from the ever present heat of summer.

I spotted her as she walked up the road, and Ash recognized me right away. She waved, a broad smile on her face. I quickened my pace to her, eager, my heart pounding, my palms sweaty. Was she only being friendly for old time's sake? Would she remember me the way I remembered her?

Idona Andersdotter. She cooed my name, as if tasting it in her mouth for the first time. I said her name, but for me that wasn't the first time in a long time. Many nights I went to sleep next to my husband, whispering her name to myself.

I had hoped you'd return, I said. I didn't know what to say, and that didn't sound right. What do you say to an old friend whom you've known since childhood, who grew up to be your lover and confidant? How do you express the longing in the heart, the quick pulse in your throat, and the tightening of your stomach when you see your lover returned?

Ash smiled. Did you need to doubt me? She reached out to me, pulled me into her arms. She had grown older. Her hair was not the same dark golden color it had been, and her face was no longer smooth. But her eyes, blue, were still as sharp as ever. She eyed me, looking me over as if seeing me for the first time. I wasn't what I used to be either. But she pulled me close to her, and I felt her heartbeat through our apron-dresses. Her palms were sweaty against the back of my neck—whether from the afternoon sun or from nervousness, I don't know for sure. I doubt it was nerves. Ash had the nerves of sharp steel, and cut twice as deep.

I smoothed out her hair, which had always been frizzy, but was now less so. I missed you, my love, I whispered in her ear.

I love you, too, she said. Come with me, to my house if it's still there.

I walked with her, back to the cottage I maintained for her in her absence. The place smelled of pine logs and the various herbs she used to keep, which she would need help collecting again. But the house no longer smelled of Ashilda. She had been gone for far too long, and her sons were not around to upkeep it. It had fallen on me to do so, but I could not bring back her smell. That would soon be remedied.

I touched the small of her back as she entered her house, a smile spread across her face. I laughed. Not for any reason in particular. But only because I had forgotten how lovely her back felt under my palm. On the table to the left of the door was the old mortar and pestle she used. She told me once it was magical, but I never believed her. She always said it with a wink and smile, but she was earnest when she said she only used it for the special and most expensive potions.

How come you came back so soon? I asked. I hadn't expected to see her again.

Because the lord who hired my services died, Ash said, with no small amount of venom in her words. He didn't take my advice. We can talk about that later.

Ash sat down in her favorite chair and sighed. I'm too old to travel far these days. How has life treated you, my love?

I sat on the bench next to her, and leaned forward, my chin on my hands. I wish I could sum up everything for you, but this may take awhile to explain.

She nodded. You got married. I know that much.

Yes, I said, looking at my feet. To Valbrandr Akesson. As if that explained everything, which it almost should have. He was the man who asked my father for my hand and my vows. Valbrandr was the one wanted the land agreement with my father, so he could start his own life. And he was the one who sacrificed my life in return. I am still with him for the moment, but that will soon come to an end.

I am sorry, 'Dona, she said. She raised an eyebrow when she saw I was being serious. I see. Did he get what he wanted?

I couldn't give him a son, but he got everything else.

Ashilda nodded. You can't be faulted for that, though I imagine he does anyway, if I remember Valbrandr right.

Soon, I will be my own person again, and he will be free to do as he wishes, too.

We sat in silence for a moment, staring into each other's eyes. I had always loved her, I realized then. But I had been so broken hearted for so many years, that now that love seemed bittersweet. Folly of youth. There are worse things, sometimes. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but I wouldn't want it back either.

Ash rubbed her arms, and winked. We can be together again. Like the days when we were young.

Do you really want to be young?

No. She looked away, then laughed. Her eyes gleamed, like they were made of ice. I wouldn't. I'd rather enjoy you as an old woman, than as a young one.

We couldn't enjoy each other when we young. I swallowed my words. Or at least...

I know what you mean. Ash flicked a lock of hair behind her ear. We weren't supposed to, but we did anyway. All the time. In the grove no less.

Youthful indiscretion. We shared another laugh, this more hearty and earthy. This laugh felt real, and came from the soul—or at least the tips of our toes. I had laughed with her when we were young children, but now our laughter was that of older women, dreaming for the rest of our lives.

I didn't have words. She stole my breath away with the laughter. I wanted to tell her to never leave again, but I knew better. She was an important priestess. A witch woman. Ash might be called on by any chieftain or king for her service. And then she would be taken away again, possibly forever.

Ash, I said, then after a moment, louder, Let's enjoy what we have, while we have it.

Words of the wise. She reached out for my hand, and I gladly took hers. Her palms were still sweaty, even in the coolness of the house. Her eyes sparkled, and I felt her pulse through her palm. "We can't ask for more from