Marta appeared ready to protest.
“Take your leave,” Tavia ordered again.
The woman hesitated a moment, then without so much of a nod left the room.
“I got here as soon as I could. I knew your leg would need tending. Now let me help you get all but your shift off so you may rest comfortably,” Hertha said, taking things in hand.
Her familiar soothing voice and kind nature brought Tavia much-needed comfort and as the young woman worked, she talked which made Tavia relax even more.
“Hume and I were surprised when we were taken to a nice cottage with Doritt and Edward and told it was ours and we were expected to do our share. In all Doritt’s six years and Edward’s eight, neither had seen, let alone lived in such a fine place. They both began to cry, and Edward bravely stepped forward and said he was ready to see to his chore.” Hertha wiped at her own tears. “The warrior nodded to me and Hume and told Edward that that was his mum and da’s decision. I have never seen the two bairns so happy. I hope the other children who Lord Ivan mistreated have found as good a home as we have.”
The news brought great relief to Tavia, for it made what she had done worthwhile. And when Hertha settled the warm, wet cloth on her leg, she rested her head back on the pillow the young woman had braced behind her back and sighed with relief. She closed her eyes and listened to Hertha talk as she worked to brew a drink near the hearth that would help with the pain.
“I cannot believe after almost three days of travel there will be a celebration tonight. These Northmen have great stamina. I hear there will be much food and drink. Already they light more campfires throughout the village and food has been cooking on spits for hours. There is a joy in the air that I have never felt before and it is quite invigorating. Everyone talks of the lord’s new wife and how soon news will not only be heard of an heir to the Clan MacShane but also an heir to the mighty Thrubolt tribe. It is a special night for sure.”
Tavia opened her eyes. “A night I cannot miss.”
“Aye, my lady,” Hertha said and handed her a tankard. “This will help you rest and ease the pain. Sit as much as you can tonight. I will return in the morning and tend your leg again.”
“I am grateful, Hertha, and relieved you are with me,” Tavia said. “I ask that you let me know all you hear and see so I am not blind and ignorant as to what is said around me.”
“You unselfishly made sure the clan and those who helped the children remained safe. We all owe you much. So, have no fear, my lady, Hume and I will watch out for you. Finish the drink and rest. I will return later to help get you ready for the celebration.”
Exhausted from two days of travel, sleep came quickly to Tavia, but it was not Hertha who woke her later. It was Marta.
“Wake up!” Marta snapped.
The unfamiliar voice startled Tavia and she hurried to sit up, wincing as she did, having disturbed her leg with her sudden movement.
“You must prepare for the celebration,” Marta ordered. “I will help you dress in the garments of our people.”
Tavia followed the woman’s eyes to several garments draped over a chair.
“They will keep you warm unlike the light wool garments you wore here,” Marta said.
Tavia kept her garments light on purpose, having discovered heavier material weighed on her causing her leg discomfort. Besides, this was her homeland, and she would not wear foreign garments here.
“You may leave, Marta. Hertha returns to help me,” Tavia said, wanting the woman gone.
“It is my chore to help you not hers,” Marta argued. “I sent her away. I was tasked with a chore by Lord Bhric, and I will see my duty done.”
Tavia wanted to get to her feet, but she could not rush out of bed and if she went slow she feared it would show weakness. She sat up straight, lifted her chin, and pointed to the door. “Get out and send Hertha to me now!”
Marta looked ready to argue.
Tavia’s stomach twisted nervously, and her tongue surprised her when she issued sharp orders. “Not another word. Get out!”
The woman turned and fled the room.
Tavia eased her legs out of bed and stood slowly. Her leg felt better and would be much better tomorrow if she rested the remainder of the night, but with the celebration tonight that was impossible. She walked over to the hearth, glancing at the garments she was meant to wear as she did. They were well-made garments and looked to be of fine wool, but she worried if she dressed in the foreign garments, she would lose herself entirely.
The door flung open startling her. Her husband filled the doorway, and she took a step back. He appeared an angry Northman ready for attack dressed in leather and furs.
“I rule here in my home. The people obey me. Marta is to tend you. I will hear no more about it,” he commanded and turned to leave.
“NAY!”
Bhric turned around at her sharp retort. “That is not something you will ever say to me again.”