Blind Allegiance Read Online Free PDF

him.
    Randvior entrusted the management of the takings and preparation of his ships to his men, then found a private space to sit and clear his head. He propped his head on his hand. He’d never imagined coming here, but Odin’s vision determined his path. The elusive deity was known to favor his family, and if he demanded an unplanned stop, who was he to defy his patron god?
    His men were restless after a season that yielded little profit and no action. These are the risks I am willing to take to solidify my holdings and establish new steadings . The prospect of a quick raid south ended all complaints. Bound by oaths of allegiance, his captains and foot soldiers went wherever he commanded. And if the gods denied good fortune, blood sacrifices compensated for whatever bad omens attracted their disfavor.
    Fortunately, Durham yielded enough silver and gold to go around. And a woman he felt an instant attraction for. She broke his concentration too easily already. He grinned, felt an uncomfortable stir between his legs, and cursed his rebellious body. The last thing he wanted was to run around with an erection, when he didn’t even know where its inspiration had fled.
    Randvior’s pleasant reflection changed course. Noelle needed time to exorcise the demons from her mind before he took her on ship. Many a seasoned warrior had chosen a watery death over another year of raiding if they didn’t want to go. Always a coward’s way out. And he refused to give the girl a chance to dive overboard. With the burden of her sister’s death on her mind, she was in no shape to think clearly yet. And the way her murdering brother treated her—his tongue should be carved from its English mouth. How dare he refer to her as a Norseman’s whore?
    But he couldn’t delay their departure. The evasive girl would simply have to accept her fate. The thought of running his hands over her lithe form nearly drove him insane. He wanted to master her body. Something told him she was more than just a pretty face, though. And he truly wanted the opportunity to explore the complexities of her mind, experience the world through her eyes.
    Convincing her to accept him was going to be difficult. He refused to resort to rape as most men in his position would. But he wasn’t opposed to relentless seduction.
    He left the alcove and headed directly for the stairs. Noelle’s sister would provide the information he needed to find her . English castles were a maze of endless rooms and hidden chambers. It could take a man a week to discover the places where a young girl would hide in a structure that took three centuries to build. He knocked on the bedchamber door.
    Margaret answered.
    He studied her delicate features. Blue eyes as round as a serving tray darted nervously between him and the empty hallway behind. “I know you blame me for Ophelia’s death,” he paused, surmising her state of mind. “There is no time for formalities. I need your help finding Noelle.”
    A faint smile flickered across her tear-stained face. “You may be different from the Norsemen the village women describe, but what makes you think I’ll provide you with any information?” she asked. “Many of those women were left with child after the raids and will never forget the beasts who assaulted them.”
    He also exercised better judgment than most jarls. His men had not inflicted such indignities on the women in this household for good reason. The gods directed his hand in this endeavor, and temperance was divine.
    “I offer my deepest sympathies for the women who suffered so needlessly.” His statement was true for the most part. Resorting to violence was necessary sometimes to bring conquered peoples under control. “Tell me what I need to know.”
    She scrutinized him with a lingering stare. “I’ll only tell you to spare my sister further pain.”
    “Prudence should prevail, lady. You are in no position to deny me anything.”
    “There’s nothing you can do to make