Ragnar the Just (Ragnar the Dane #3) Read Free Page A

Kjartan, about four years ago while pruning apple trees to ensure a better harvest next year. He’d heard the crunch and crack of metal on wood and turned to see a white-blond figure fighting a burnt tree with his sword.
    “Who’s that?” he’d asked Brodir, his best friend , working alongside him.
    “Kjartan. He’s from Gilltoft. C ome to join the Huskarls. They say he fights well and never gives up.”
    “Oh yeah?”
    “And better looking than the rest of them,” said Brodir, giggling.
    “Shush!” Lini looked round. “You’re not meant to say things like that.”
    “Why not?”
    “We’re meant to like women. We must marry and father children. Behave yourself.”
    “Who will you marry then? All the girls love you. It won’t take long for you to find a wife.”
    Lini considered his friend. His strawberry-blond h air and freckles brought with them the pale skin which burned easily in the sun, causing him much embarrassment at fifteen. Lini was lucky to have darker skin which never burned, and light brown hair.
    “You’ll find a wife, don’t worry. It’s what we have to do.”
    “You’re always so good, Lini! You always do as you’re told!”
    “Well, it’s easier.”
    “Why don’t y ou ever stand up for yourself - d o what you want, not what’s expected?” Brodir was red in the face, fists clenched, glaring at him.
    “Why are you so angry?” Lini gazed at him, half-smiling.
    “I just - I’m  … ” Brodir gave a growl of frustration and leapt forward, pushing him into the bushes, landing on him and kissing him clumsily, drool dripping everywhere. Lini made a small noise of surpris e - or was it pleasure? - and after a moment of shock, kissed him back.
    Pausing to draw breath, they stared at each other until Brodir rolled off him and stalked away, tying his hair back into its binding.
    Lini lay there for a while on the dry leafy ground with soil in his hair, feeling as if a spark had been struck in a dark cave, his heart beating faster. Something about his life was lighter now. Something was also harder, pushing against the front of his trousers. He laughed under his breath.
    The next day, Brodir avoided him, but the day after, Lini pursued him until he was forced to talk.
    “How are you today?” he asked when he’d finally cornered him in the barn.
    “Fine.” Brodir wouldn’t meet his eyes.
    “I liked what you did to me the other day.” Lini hadn’t kn own what to say but words came out naturally. “Did you?”
    “Of course I fucking did. That’s why I did it.”
    “I haven’t told anyone.”
    “Neither have I.”
    They stared at each other for a moment, then both stepped forward at once and kissed again, Brodir’s wider body squashing Lini’s against the wall. It was the perfect place for a secret meeting as it was getting dark and everyone had gone home for dinner.
    Lini and Brodir met every day in a different place, continuing what they’d started. But it only lasted a few weeks. Brodir stole a neighbour’s knife, and his father, losing patience with his stealing, sent him away on a trading boat to teach him better behaviour.
    “So that’s it, is it?” Lini demanded the last time they met.
    Brodir shrugged.
    “You see where misbehaving gets you? I told you so.”
    “You’re so smug, Lini. I hope you’re really happy with Halldora.”
    “What? Who?”
    Brodir stepped up close to him.
    “She wants you. She’s always talking about you. I hope you have a great life with your woman. Just forget me. I never liked you anyway.”
    He stepped away, but Lini grabbed his arm.
    “You’re lying.” He kissed him forcefully, biting at his lips and making him wince and sag against the wall.
    “Yes, I was lying. But I have to go now. I leave tomorrow. Goodbye.” He stood up, straightened his clothing and walked away.
    Lini never saw Brodir again. He nursed his wounded heart silently , as usual , and refused to let it show. Kjartan’s antics were always a distraction