Frey's Search

By L.K. Hill

Frey's Saga continues in this volume. Cassandra, his pregnant wife, is kidnapped and sold as a slave in England. Frey is desperate to find her, encountering many trials and challenges during his quest. As the years pass, his search has provided few hints of her whereabouts. Trygve jarl dies, and is succeeded by his grandson. A number of the villagers leave Norway to head to a new home. While searching for Cassandra, Frey eventually winds up at a Benedictine monastery and obtains information about the possible whereabouts of his wife. With his his prayers answered, he once again continues his search, eventually joining Auger and company in the New World with their new Mi'qmak friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984538055

L.K. Hill

L.K. Hill is a lifelong Connecticut resident. After attending community college, she married and raised two sons. Getting tired of retail jobs, she trained and became a certified nurses aide, focusing on homecare. But her lifelong interest was writing and The Viking World, so she decided to write a book about them. This novel is her dream come true, and may your dreams become a happy reality.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Two escaping thralls noiselessly carried a very old and heavy rowboat to the beach. Valdemar and Torstein, who had bought their lives from Trygve Jarl by becoming Leif’s thralls, had had enough. They waited until the dead of night to sneak out barefooted, lest they be captured by Leif’s watchmen. Escaping thralls, if they were lucky, were merely outlawed.

The twosome finally got the small craft down to the beach and into the water. Each man wanted to curse at the other, but didn’t dare. The night watchmen had acute hearing and carried very sharp swords. Once they clambered aboard, they paddled out into the main current and let it carry them away from the village. All they could do was to bail the boat, try to steer it, and scream profanities at one another as the winds picked up thanks to a fast moving summer thunderstorm. That meant that they had to stay afloat, while lightning smashed down all about them. Finally, the winds abated, and the two men, soaked to the bone, managed to get enough of the water out of the boat so that one of them could take up the oars while the other continued bailing.

It took three days for them to finally reach Magnus Jarl’s village. Their hands were blistered, their stomachs empty, and their mood was to the left side of filthy. When they brought their battered, leaking craft in to the beach, they were quickly surrounded by a number of armed men. Torstein asked, Is this Magnus Jarl’s village? A tall youth stepped forward, sword at the ready. What do you want with my father?

We have some news about Trygve that we’re sure he’d be interested in. We’re Olaf’s…..

Yngvi interrupted, Oh, yes, I remember you. Where’s Olaf?

He’s dead. We’re here to seek sanctuary. We couldn’t stand living under Trygve’s laws any more.

Really? And what makes you think that my father would be interested in Trygve? He wants nothing to do with him!

Look, we know that there’s a blood feud between your father and Trygve. And we know how Trygve thinks when he’s on a raid. We know his tactics, how he trains his men, and also how he gets so much loot. I’m sure that your father would be interested in that kind of information.

Yngvi nodded, then told his father’s men to lower their weapons. Turning toward Torstein, he grunted, Follow me. The group headed toward the hof, with the armed men surrounding the two fugitives, swords at the ready but not raised. Magnus’ longhouse wasn’t very far from the beach. As Yngvi reached the door, he growled, Keep an eye on these two.

Magnus sat on his high seat, waiting for another jarl to arrive, when Yngvi came in. What brings you here?

Father, we have visitors. They were Olaf’s men, and have some information about Trygve that they think you’d be interested in.

What interest would I possibly have in that fool, other than his wealth?

That’s it. How Trygve is such a success. Why don’t we listen to what they have to say? Yngvi rose, went over to the door and told the two men to enter.

Magnus’ eyes widened when he saw who the two men were. Torstein, Valdemar, what are you doing here? Last I heard, Trygve had condemned you both into thralldom.

"Yes, we were, but we’ve escaped and came here to ask you for asylum. In return, we’ll tell you everything we know about Trygve’s battle tactics and any other information which might be useful. You do want to destroy him, don’t you?"

Magnus looked hard at Torstein, I see that the years with Olaf have made you very bold and brave. Here’s my proposal: When we raid Trygve’s village, I want both of you fighting with me and my men, and I want you to kill him and Sigurd. Do this, and you both will get what you want.

Chapter 2

Trygve sat looking at his daughter, who was finishing the last touches of her weaving. He wondered if Frey would accept the responsibility that comes with possibly inheriting the jarlship. Trygve was feeling his age, and knew that he’d slowed down a lot. He also wondered if Frey had changed his mind about raiding with him and Sigurd.

Father, how do you like the tabby twill pattern of my cloth?

Trygve just stared at her, not saying a word.

Turning her head toward her father, she then asked, Are you thinking about Mother again?

Yes, and I do like the cloth. Is it for my granddaughter?

Dad, no one knows what the child will be and yes, we have talked about it. If I do have a little girl, we’d like to name her after Mother, with your permission of course.

"Of course you may! Mother would have been thrilled."

However, if I have a little boy, we’d like to name him after Frey’s father.

Oh, and what is Frey’s father’s name?

Brian. But Frey once told me that his parents changed their names to Christian names. We’ve been thinking of using a Christian name. Cassandra leaned back and waited for the explosion to happen.

Trygve calmly looked at his daughter, Not to worry. You’re having a girl. Trust me. He smiled widely, stood up, walked to the door, turned, and said, I need to have a talk with my future son-in-law. There are things we need to discuss.

Frey was taking Haakon’s sword down from the wall when he heard a knock at his door. He curiously went over to it, opened it, and there stood Trygve.

Is this the way you greet your future father-in-law with a sword in your hand, or are you planning on going to war?

Oh, no. I was just about to clean and oil it. That hasn’t been done in a while. Please come in, Trygve. Frey swung his arm in a friendly gesture. He then replaced the sword on the wall next to Haakon’s shield. Turning back to Trygve he asked, What brings you here?

We haven’t really talked much, and our conversations have been mostly one sided; me telling you what to do. I want to get to know you better, Frey. After all, you’ll be marrying my daughter soon.

Where do I start?

Trygve smiled, You obviously had a mother and father. Why not start there?

Frey remembered his father’s words about not telling anyone about his family’s past. Frey ignored his intuition and told Trygve about his two older sisters, Bridget and Brenna.

What of your parents?

Frey hesitated, then continued. Their names were Brian and Sigrid, but she had to take a Christian name, Colleen, to hide from her father and brother. He had insisted that she marry one of his friends, who was a rich, but an abusive, drunken lout.

Did they take you to the monastery?

No, they were murdered along with my two sisters by raiders. I managed to escape into the woods, and wandered for days until I came upon the monastery. The monks there helped raise me, since I was a child. When I became a man, I chose to join their ranks.

Your life has certainly been full of heartbreak, until now.

"Yes, there’ve been terrible times, but there have also been wonderful things. In some ways, what has happened to me, in the past, has made me who I am today. If it didn’t happen, I would have never met Cassandra. I promise you that I’ll do everything in my power to always love and protect her and our child. They’re everything to me."

I think I’m starting to understand you now. You remind me of myself when I was your age. You know, after you came here, I saw a change for the better in my son. Sigurd believes that you totally changed his outlook on life.

The only real conversations we had were when he said that I wasn’t all bad. At times he seemed to be calm, then at other times he’d lose his temper for no apparent reason. I found him to be at a loss, now and then, as if he didn’t know where, or who, he was. And, yes, I also noticed a change for the better. It was as if he was trying to make amends for something not only in his past, but also in his present life. However, the changes were of his own doing. Why do you ask?

I wanted to know if Haakon had finally come to his senses for real. Most of the folks here in the village speak very highly of you. And, if my son hadn’t died, I truly believe that you and he would have become friends and that he would have accepted your and Cassandra’s union.

Trygve stayed long into the night talking with Frey and getting to know him. Here was the man who had stolen his daughter’s heart. And, now, Trygve began to feel the empty void being filled once again. Haakon was gone, but not forgotten.

Chapter 3

A few days later, Trygve sat alone on a bench in front of the fire pit, slowly drinking mead and reminiscing about Rhea, his long dead wife, and love of his life. He had no clue that impending danger lurked just around the corner.

Two days’ sailing distance away, Magnus Gautson sat in his high seat, swirling his horn of ale while staring into it.

What’s bothering you, Magnus? What do you see? Harald, a neighboring jarl, looked over at Magnus with one eyebrow raised. An evil smirk crossed Magnus’ face as he raised his eyes to Harald. The gods have given me a sign that we’d be successful if we go after Trygve in the near future. He’s gotten too big for his breeches. Time for us to do something about that. Besides, we could use the loot.

Harald gave a toothy grin in response. Then he chugged the last of his ale, after which the two men shook hands. Both had been unsuccessful raiders, and were jealous of Trygve’s successes. There had to be a lot of treasure tucked away in his longhouse, and a local raid would be far easier than an overseas one.

Just then, Yngvi, Magnus’ son, sauntered in. He wanted a part in raiding Trygve’s village, not to mention that he’d heard about the beautiful women there.

It’s about time that Trygve finds out what’s it like to go without riches. Harald steepled his fingers as he leaned forward.

Magnus leaned toward Harald. Trygve has got himself a lot of treasure, which I’m sure that both you and I could find very good uses for. If we were to join forces, we could attack Trygve’s village and clean it out.

I get his daughter, the pretty one! piped up Yngvi, who was very interested in the conversation.

Harald continued, ignoring Yngvi’s outburst. We could take Cassandra to Scotland and sell her as a thrall to the highest bidder. We should get a really good price for her. Of course, we’d only sell her after we’d finished with her. Both men grinned at that.

Trygve sat staring into the dancing flames. How he wished that his Rhea could be there next to him.

Many years ago, the teenaged Rhea had lived in Byzantium with her mercantile family. They sold silks, spices, and exotic cloth, just to name a few, to the Varangian Swedes. She had learned Norse with a Swedish accent, Greek, Latin, and some Arabic as a child in her parents’ shop. One day, when she was out shopping for bread, she was kidnapped by a big Swedish fellow just before his ship set sail for home. From what she had told Trygve, she fought with all her strength, and nearly succeeded in ripping out Sveinn’s eyes. It took him and three of his crew to subdue her. Sveinn realized that raping this hellcat could prove rather dangerous to certain parts of his body. When they finally got home to southern Sweden, Sveinn quickly sold her to a handy merchant, who shortly thereafter discovered that he’d made a big mistake. Wiping blood from his face, he managed to knock her out with a half full clay wine jug. This one wasn’t going to be nice to him. It was best to sell her quickly, and hopefully, at a profit. A week later, with his gouged face partially healed, the merchant spotted Magnus down at the docks. Magnus had stiffed him for some goods about a year ago, and the merchant saw a delightful way to a sweet revenge; sell the girl to Magnus, for she was exotically beautiful, which even might raise the price. It turned out that that transaction was as easy as dropping a brick down a well. Hiding a smile, the merchant moved off, tucking a nice handful of hack-silver in his pouch.

After Magnus had paid for her and brought her back to his hall, he tried to rape her. Naturally, Rhea almost succeeded gouging out one of Magnus’ eyes, after which she kneed him hard in the groin. Since her hands and feet were free, she took the opportunity to escape, while Magnus rolled around on the bed clutching his privates and cursing through his bloodied teeth. Surely, he wouldn’t be in any shape to chase her down. She ran as quickly as she could away from her attacker with a full moon to light her way. She eventually stumbled into Trygve’s hunting campsite, falling flat on her exhausted face at Trygve’s feet. The big jarl, realizing that here was a terrified runaway, gently motioned her to the campfire. He had instantly recognized that this terrified girl had been sexually attacked, and as a result was scared of any man. Without touching her with his hands, Trygve placed a warm cloak around her shoulders. Rhea clutched the cape close, her teeth chattering from fear. Trygve gave her a gentle smile and placed a wooden cup of ale and a piece of hardtack bread with cheese on it within her reach. Then he moved to the other side of the fire, telling her that she was safe now. Trygve’s two companions agreed, saying that if the bastard who tried to rape her showed his face, that they would gladly show him what the pointy ends of their swords meant.

Later, after Rhea had eaten and rested, Trygve offered to hide her from Magnus. Rhea spoke Norse with a very odd accent, which fascinated the man. But he was careful to respect her space, letting her know that he wasn’t going to rape her. Here was safety. She gingerly accepted Trygve’s offer of sanctuary.

Before long, Rhea began to look forward to chatting with Trygve. He’d provided a safe bed for her in his hall, with Gunnhild to keep her company. She knew that the jarl was attracted to her, but he remained a perfect gentleman.

One thing led to another, and within two months, Trygve asked her if she would marry him. When she said yes, he actually cried.

Years later, after giving him a son and a daughter, Trygve had found her mangled corpse hidden in the woods. He’d gone hunting with Sigurd, and they had noticed buzzards wheeling around in the sky. As they followed the trail in the direction of those buzzards, Trygve recognized the clothing on the still body as those of his beloved Rhea. He ran over to her and screaming in anguish, gathered up her remains and held her close. Sigurd could see that Rhea had been attacked by humans, not by a wolf. Rhea had been safe at home with the children when the men had left for the week long hunt. She had told everyone about the fellow who had tried to rape her; the one she’d fled from so many years before. Sigurd suspected that that fellow had somehow managed to track Rhea down. From her description of the man, Trygve suspected that it was Magnus, a pompous and jealous would-be jarl whose reputation for bungled raids were a legend in those parts. Magnus wasn’t one to forget even an imagined slight. But his involvement here couldn’t be proved beyond a shadow of a doubt. Trygve shook his head. The fire was dying. Weeping, he went to bed.

Chapter 4

Did you sleep well, Grim? You seem different this morning.

Yes, but I’m nervous about speaking with Trygve jarl about our daughter marrying Sefton. I’m thinking of asking him if he wouldn’t mind having a double ceremony. I’ll even offer to pay for the food and drink. Maybe Leif might cater the whole thing.

I don’t know, Grim. Leif was very upset when he found out that Ingrid and Sefton are getting married. Sulla continued, Ingrid is so happy. That’s all she talks about these days; how she and Sefton want to build a life together.

After eating, Grim got up from his oak table, gave his wife a kiss, then left for the hof. Trygve and Cassandra were busy planning the community ceremony when Grim walked in the door.

Grim, what brings you here?

Grim gestured to Cassandra, Trygve, I have something that I need to speak to you about.

Sit down and join us. What’s on your mind?

As you’ve probably already heard, my daughter, Ingrid, wants to get married to the father of her child soon and I wanted to…

Just then, Sigurd trotted in through to the door, sputtering"What? What? What?"

Grim and I are talking about our daughters.

Grim, did I hear you right? Ingrid is pregnant and getting married?

Yes, Sigurd. Everyone will know soon enough. That’s why I’m here, Trygve, to ask you if it would it be possible to have a double ceremony?

Trygve looked at Cassie, Well, what are your thoughts on this?

Cassandra grinned back at him, That’s a wonderful idea! People wouldn’t have to choose between two celebrations. We could just have one big party.

Well then, a double ceremony it is!

Another thing, Trygve, I’d like to be the one who pays for all the food and drink. I’m willing to go to Leif and ask him to cater the wedding feast. I hope he’s not too angry with Ingrid’s choice of husband, and he does set out a glorious table.

Frey was busy cleaning the house for his informal Christian wedding. Since he was the only follower of the White Christ in the village, it would simply have to be just the two of them, clasping hands over Frey’s book. Surely Jesus would witness their union. Frey and Cassandra planned to have this private ceremony the night before the Pagan community one. He thought that it would be best if they did the two weddings at different times so to not offend anyone, especially Jesus and his future father-in-law.

Cassandra headed over to Frey’s house after planning the ceremony with her father. When she got there, she quietly went in. Frey’s back was to her, so she went up to him and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him.

I missed you today. I’ve been busy with Father, planning our wedding. He’s looking forward to you becoming his son-in-law. By the way, Grim stopped by and asked Dad if Ingrid and Sefton could join in and make it a double ceremony. I said yes. I hope that you’re fine with that. Cassandra then loosened her grip, and Frey quickly turned around to return the hug.

I missed you, too. I don’t care how many couples there are, just as long as you agree to become my wife. That’s all I want.

I’m already your wife in my heart. I just wish that Mother and Haakon were here to celebrate with us.

They’re here in spirit. But I’m disappointed.

Disappointed? Why?

Because every time you come to see me, you usually give me a kiss. He puckered up and closed his eyes.

Oh, well, then, she grinned then theatrically leaned forward to give him a big, wet smooch. A few moments later, Frey knelt down and placed his head against Cassie’s belly.

What are you doing? She ran her fingers slowly through his blond hair.

I’m trying to hear if the baby is moving.

It’s too early for that, and anyway I don’t think that’s possible!

Frey turned his head and gave her belly a gentle kiss and a pat.I wish you’d hurry up and get here. I can’t wait to hold you!

Patience, my love, these things take time. Our son will arrive when he’s ready.

You could be carrying a girl.

Yes, I know. The only thing I care about is that our baby will be healthy and happy. Frey smiled and continued. Maybe you’re carrying twins!

Cassandra returned the smile. That would be something!

After a while, Cassandra left to get some things for their private wedding. Frey kept thinking about what Cassandra had said about her mother and brother. He knelt down, closed his eyes, and began praying. At that moment he felt what he thought was a hand on his right shoulder, and a soft kiss upon his forehead. Thinking that it was Cassandra and perhaps Sigurd, he opened his eyes and saw that he was alone. A smile spread across his lips. Surely this was Rhea and Haakon come from Heaven to give him their blessing.

Grim, after leaving Trygve, headed toward Leif’s place. When he arrived, he was greeted by the merchant, who was busy checking over a new shipment of leather hides.

Grim, my friend, what brings you here?

I’m here on business.

Oh? I thought that maybe Ingrid had changed her mind about marrying that… Sefton.

No, I just came from seeing Trygve jarl, and we were talking about the wedding, and we were wondering if you’d cater it. It’ll be a double ceremony for both Cassandra and Frey, and Ingrid and Sefton. And, of course, you’d get paid, handsomely.

Leif was stunned upon hearing this, then his face got beet red. "What? How dare you ask me to do this after Ingrid refused me?"

Leif, Ingrid has made it quite clear that she’s in love with Sefton. What would you like me to do, force her into marrying you? And, besides, weren’t you the one who kept her waiting?

Yes, but I wanted to make sure that I could support her and give her the type of life that she deserves. And, I thought that’s what you also wanted.

At that point, Agni grabbed his sword and ran over to Leif and Grim. The screaming and swearing was getting a bit loud.

What’s going on here? Everyone could hear the two of you clear across the valley!

Get this bastard out of here, now! Leif turned away from Grim.

Don’t turn your back on me! If it wasn’t for me and my wealth, you’d still be a thrall! Grim reached