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  This book made available by the Internet Archive.

  BY LOVE ENSLAVED is dedicated to my two handsome sons, Jeflf and Drew, wliose Swedish blood allows them to proudly claim a Viking heritage.

  r

  CHAPTER I

  Denmark, Early Siunmer, a.d. 882

  Dana brushed the tears from her lashes, but the harder she tried to suppress her laughter, the more impossible it became. Her aunt's flustered irritation at her mirth only served to amuse the flame-haired beauty all the more. Finally she raised her hand in a graceful appeal for mercy.

  "Please, Aunt, no more."

  "But every word is the truth," Grena insisted indignantly. "None of our women can resist the man." Turning to her sixteen-year-old daughter, she urged her to speak. "You tell them, Berit. Perhaps they will believe you even if they think I am merely spinning fanciful tales to keep them entertained."

  Barely able to contain her own amusement, the vivacious blonde spoke in a breathless rush. "J0m bought the Celt thrall only three days before he left on the summer voyage with Uncle Haakon. He had no time to observe the problems the man from Erin would create or I'm certain he would never have left us with such a troublesome burden."

  With marked skepticism, Dana glanced at her mother. J0m was her Aunt Grena's eldest son. At nineteen he had a well-deserved reputation for being not only irresponsible but reckless as well. He was also so self-centered that Dana doubted he would have cared even if he had known how

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  difficult the new slave would make things for his widowed mother.

  Berit correctly interpreted the silent exchange passing between Dana and Berit's Aunt Freya, but she knew her brother's faults too well to take oflFense and hurriedly continued. "The Celt has caused no end of turmoil, and truly there's not one of our female servants who isn't enamored of him. They are either shirking their work to sneak out to the stables to see him, or fighting among themselves over which of them is his favorite. While it is amusing to see them making fools of themselves over him, when their work goes undone we're the ones who suflFer."

  "Is he handsome?" Dana inquired with playful curiosity. "Or merely possessed of such remarkable stamina he can satisfy all your girls?"

  When Berit blushed deeply at the indelicacy of the question, her mother responded for her. "He's a surly brute, but I suppose some might find him handsome. As for his ability to satisfy a woman, that's part of the problem. He'll have nothing to do with any of them, but his disinterest only serves to make the girls all the more bold."

  "How can that be true?" Freya leaned forward to look directly at her younger sister. The day was warm, and the four women were seated beneath a massive oak whose leafy branches shielded their lovely fair complexions from the brightness of the sun's rays. "With so many eager women, how can you be certain he wants none of them?"

  "I have ears as well as eyes, Freya." Annoyed that her sister would question her judgment, Grena paused only long enough to adjust the half-dozen heavy gold bracelets encircling her right wrist before she resumed her attempt at gaining sympathy. "None of the girls is happy. Brendan seems to hold all of them, as well as our family, in contempt. I'd sell him tomorrow, but J0m said he was an extraordinary horseman, and all the men who would be willing to pay the price I would have to ask are away, just as our men are."

  While she was as greatly amused by the amorous antics of Grena's servants as Dana, Freya knew her sister had come to her expecting help with her problems rather than merely unbridled laughter. Since the thrall couldn't be sold.

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  there appeared to be only one other option. A gracious woman, Freya was not reluctant to offer it, but she thoughtfully consulted her daughter first.

  '*Dana, can you imagine any of our servants chasing this poor man so shamelessly?"

  Instantly comprehending the import of her mother's question, as well as her reason for asking it, Dana's smile vanished. Freya had been ill with a recurrent fever the past winter, and since she had yet to fully regain her strength and vitality, she relied heavily upon her eldest daughter to manage the duties she had formerly handled with ease. While Dana was happy to spare her mother every bit of work she could, she didn't want to see her take on the responsibility for an obnoxious slave just because Grena was unable to control her household properly. Pampered and spoiled, first by her parents and then by a generous older husband, her aunt solved all her problems simply by thrusting them onto others. Dana would not insult her aunt by saying so to her face, however, so she offered an objection she knew would be readily understood.

  "Father hasn't kept thralls in years. Don't you think he would be very displeased if we began taking in Grena's?" she asked pointedly.

  Freya's delicately arched brows rose slightly at the mention of angering Haakon since she knew the possibility was an extremely good one. Despite that threat, she could not turn her back on the sister she held so dear. "You know your father expects us to make our own decisions when he's away. Just let me worry about his reaction when he comes home in the fall. For the time being, we need only concern ourselves with Grena's dilenuna."

  Not pleased to have what she knew was sound advice cast aside so casually, Dana turned away to watch her younger brother and sister, who were playing nearby with Grena's twelve-year-old twins, Olaf and Hrolf. The children's happy laughter rang out over the blossom-filled meadow as they chased the lambs through the tall grass that extended clear down to the sandy shoreline.

  The island of Fyn was not only beautiful, but it was also blessed with fertile soil and a mild climate. Though she had

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  never traveled more than a few miles from her family's farm, Dana knew it had to occupy one of the most perfect spots on earth. She took a great deal of pride in her home, as did her mother. Yet, while her mother's health was still delicate, Dana didn't want a troublesome thrall any more than Grena did. Why couldn't her aunt see that she was thoughtlessly taking advantage of her sister's love? Was she simply as selfish as J0m?

  When she reluctantly forced her attention back to the conversation at hand, she was embarrassed to find Grena waiting impatiently for her response to a question she had not heard. 'Tm sorry, did you ask me something?"

  Grena dared not criticize her niece for being inattentive when she needed her help so urgently, but her tone was cool and her diction crisp as she repeated her request. "Will you come for Brendan tomorrow? When not pestered by overeager females, he has shown himself to be a good worker, and I'm sure he won't cause you any trouble. Then when J0m comes home, he can decide what to do with the man. After all, Brendan is his property, so the problem is rightfully his."

  Knowing that was merely another convenient excuse for Grena to avoid taking responsibility for what went on under her own roof, Dana had to force down a bitter response before giving a polite one. '*If the matter is decided, then yes, I'll come for the man in the morning."

  "Don't come alone," Berit warned immediately, her blue eyes bright with the imagined peril of so foolhardy an action.

  "Don't be ridiculous," Grena scolded her daughter crossly. "No thrall is so stupid as to attack his mistress, and whatever Brendan is, he does not lack intelligence." ••

  "But he is irresistible to women," Freya reminded her sister in a teasing jest. "That is reason enough not to send Dana alone."

  Grena laughed. She knew her niece to be an extremely independent young woman who had stubbornly resisted the charms of the fine men who had courted her, so surely she would have no interest in a common slave. "Will you accept Jarald's proposal this fall, Dana? You must know there are many young women who would not only be

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  honored but thrilled to wed so handso
me and successful a man."

  Dana suddenly felt as uncomfortable as her aunt had when they had made light of her domestic problems. She knew mentioning Jarald had been Grena's way of putting her in her place, but while crude, the tactic had worked. She had used the slowness of her mother's recovery from her lengthy illness as an excuse to avoid Jarald's attentions all spring, and she knew he was nearly at the end of his patience with her. He was as forceful and determined a man as her father, and he was used to getting his own way. On several occasions he had made it plain that he intended to make her his wife, but she had felt only suffocated by his commanding presence and not in the least bit flattered or pleased that he had chosen her. That he would be away trading until autunm, as her father, older brother, Svien, and J0m were, had provided a much needed respite from his overbearing personality, and she was far more delighted by his prolonged absence than she had ever been by his frequent visits.

  Rising to her feet, Dana tactfully avoided replying to her aunt's question. **The fall is months away. Right now I need to see what's keeping Moira with our refreshments."

  ''Weren't Moira's parents also Celts from Erin?" Berit asked with a sudden burst of the enthusiasm which marked all her actions. "Maybe that's what Brendan wants, a woman of his own kind."

  That suggestion was so intriguing, Dana hesitated before turning away. Moira was so totally devoted to Freya that they had not once stopped to consider that the quiet girl might want a husband. Seeing the same realization dawning in her mother's eyes, Dana decided to wait until they were alone to discuss Moira's ftiture. That Brendan was a slave was a problem, of course, but an ambitious man could earn enough to buy his freedom in a year's time, and Grena had said he was a good worker.

  Hiding her smile, Dana lifted the skirt of her flowing silk chemise to the level of the loose-fitting sleeveless tunic worn over it and hurried toward the house with a spritely step. She would have to thank Berit later for proposing such

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  a charming way to turn Brendan's stay with them into an advantageous one.

  After her cousin had left them, Berit swiftly grew restless. She toyed with the end of her long blond braid as her mother and auijt began discussing their younger children. Uninterested in their conversation, she rose and leaned back against the stately oak. Hoping the true reason for her curiosity would not be suspected, she scanned the farm's well-kept grounds and numerous buildings, seeking a glimpse of her cousin Erik.

  Of course Erik was not a full cousin, but it wasn't the peculiar manner in which they were related that intrigued her. When she and Dana had been children, they had often tagged along behind Erik, Svien and J0m. Now her brother and Svien had gone trading with Haakon while Erik, who was two years Svien's senior, had been left behind. She knew how badly the slight must have hurt him, for it made it plain as never before that, while Svien was Haakon's heir, Erik was a bastard who would inherit nothing.

  Bom to a slave before Haakon's marriage to Freya, Erik had been raised with his father's legitimate children. His mother had died shortly after his birth, and Freya had cared for him as though he were her own. This was not an unconmion practice among wealthy men like Haakon, and some men even acknowledged their bastard oflFspring, giving them an equal inheritance. But not Haakon. For as long as Berit could remember, her uncle had regarded his first-bom son with a cold aloofness that bordered on a cruel disdain. Since the man had ceased keeping slaves and had been faithful to his beloved wife, there were no other illegitimate children who shared the taint of Erik's birth."

  Despite his lowly status, Berit believed Erik still loved his father, or perhaps it was Freya he loved, and his affection for her kept him on Haakon's farm. Whatever the reason, at twenty-two he seemed to be content to work as his father's falconer. That demanding task kept him busy, and he no longer had the time to entertain the younger children.

  Berit hoped Erik would bring them their horses later, for she would consider their visit wasted if she did not even catch sight of the young man. Just the hope of seeing him

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  had filled the day with a sense of excitement she had not expected. Since she had known Erik for as long as she could remember, she did not understand why his friendship would be more valuable now than it had been when she was younger.

  Seeing Dana returning with Moira bearing a heavily laden tray, Berit resumed her place at her mother's side, but she was hungry for something she couldn't name, something far sweeter than the honey cakes Freya always served. Sighing wistfully, she made herself comfortable, grateful that her companions could never guess the improper nature of her thoughts.

  Unlike Freya's children, Erik was dark rather than fair, but he had his father's violet eyes. He not only trained Haakon's regal birds of prey, but in his father's absence he also attended to the farm's needs. He had noted Grena's arrival, but since she had never displayed Freya's warmth toward him he had not gone out of his way to greet her. He was soon sorry for that show of pride when he realized too late that Berit was with her mother and the twins.

  He had always had a special fondness for the pretty blonde. She had been a delightfully happy little girl who had made no secret of her affection for him despite her mother's attitude. He had been amazed when Berit had not grown up gradually as Dana had. During one of her visits to Haakon's farm she had been a playful child, and on the next her budding figure had made it plain that she was rapidly becoming a woman.

  Even as that thought brought a smile to his lips, Erik was disgusted with himself for allowing his mind to wander so far afield from his duties. It did not pay to be inattentive around the falcons, for that could result in a. serious injury. Nevertheless, he made certain that when Grena was ready to depart, he was there to help her mount her horse.

  Unlike her painfully thin sister, Grena was a full-bodied woman* who appreciated a boost to reach her saddle, but she gave Erik only a brief word of thanks before turning her mare toward the gate. That move discouraged any response he might have cared to make, but her daughter did not

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  follow her example. Berit was as lithe as Dana, although not as tall, and while she could have mounted her mare as easily as her brothers leapt upon their ponies, she waited for Erik to reach her side.

  "Have you been so busy all morning with your birds that you didn't have even one minute to spend with us?" she inquired with a saucy smile which she hoped would make him think she was only teasing, when her words clearly revealed how disappointed she had been not to have had his company.

  A rakish grin spread across Erik's finely chiseled features as he recognized Berit's flirtatious greeting for what it was. "Expertly trained falcons are every bit as demanding as a beautiful woman, Berit. Did you really expect me to have the time to sit in the shade and chat with you?"

  His point made in a charming fashion, Erik bent over and laced his fingers together to provide the lively young woman with a convenient step. Berit laid her hand on his shoulder as she placed her tiny foot in his hands. In an instant she was seated on her mare's back, but her eyes had never left his face.

  "No," she replied sweetly, still attempting to keep the mood light, "but if you truly wished my company, you could come calling at my home."

  Erik patted her thigh, then remembering that she was no longer a child he could pet with such open afiFection, he jerked his hand away as though he had been burned by the invitirfg warmth of the smooth flesh beneath her flowing garments.

  "Don't tease me," he cautioned, his voice deepening as he forced himself to be stem. "You know your motJier would set the dogs on me if I ever came anywhere near you or your farm."

  His unexpected taunt brought a bright blush to Berit's cheeks because she knew it was undeniably true, and that pained her. She cared not at all what the circumstances of his birth had been, but since she could think of no way to encourage him to visit her without revealing more than she dared, she ofl'ered no such invitation. Deeply embarrassed
by his rebuke, her lips formed a bewitching pout. She

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  murmured no more than a hasty farewell, then tapped her heels against her mare's flanks and quickly followed her mother through the gate with the twins following close behind.

  Erik had only briefly ghmpsed Berit's expression, but he had witnessed a disturbing array of emotions: frustration, anger, and the same sense of hopeless rage he often felt, although he was uncertain of exactly what had upset her.

  Dana had seen, if not overheard, the parting conversation between Berit and Erik, but his resulting frown was too deep for her to think he would wish to discuss it. He was such a good-natured young man, she hoped Berit had not said something thoughtless and insulted or hurt him.

  "Erik," she called as she approached him. When she had his attention, she explained the errand that would take them to Grena's the next morning.

  *'What?" Erik's dark brows came together in a harsh line as his frown deepened into a hostile scowl. '*Haakon refuses to own thralls. How could you and your mother have forgotten that?"

  'Tlease don't misunderstand. We've not bought the man," Dana hastened to explain, but when Erik still failed to respond favorably, she revealed the true reason Grena had asked them to take the man temporarily.

  In spite of the darkness of his mood, Erik began to chuckle. He was a handsome man, and a smile made him all the more so. '*I find that a difficult tale to believe, but now I am too curious not to go with you."

  "Good, because I don't dare risk going alone since the danger is so great I might also be tempted to seduce him," Dana responded with a sparkling laugh. She reached up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, for she loved Erik as dearly as she did her other two brothers. "Let's pretend we have no idea why he's being sent here. I imagine the poor fellow will be grateful for a chance to rest if Grena's women have pestered him so relentlessly."