Stolen Away Read Online Free PDF Page A

uncharted lands and into unforeseen danger because she was expendable. She wiped her eyes and glanced towards the open ocean, looking northeast. Somewhere, beyond the horizon, was her home. She would soon be taken even further away from her soul. She stopped, reached out a hand and let the wind kiss and caress her fingers. Closing her eyes, she imagined her parents, their arms open on the distant Irish shore, magically sending the wind across the ocean to greet her.
    â€œPlease, mother, father,” she whispered, “save me.”

F OUR
    T he village gathered in the sombre stillness of the predawn twilight. The silence was shattered as the half-dozen ropes that extended across the river suddenly snapped tight, and the air was filled with grunts and shouts of encouragement. The boat reluctantly inched its way out of its comfortable home, sliding over the wet, grassy meadow and towards the waiting water. As the keel touched then slurped into the muddy embankment of the river, the ship gained speed. With a splash, the nose and hull gracefully slipped into the calm river. The villagers cheered. They pulled the ship alongside the village dock and extended a wide gangplank across to the midship's gunwale. The men and women formed a chain and began to load the mountain of packed provisions onto the ship.
    The rising sun winked above the horizon, setting the majestic ocean ablaze with deep crimson. The men gave their loved ones a tender hug and said their goodbyes. Kiera stood quietly at the edge of the crowd, looking off into the distance. A hand came to rest on her shoulder. She turned and looked into the kind eyes of Dagmar. Lorna, still sleepy, clung to her mother's leg.
    â€œWe will miss you.”
    â€œAnd I you,” she said, half-smiling.
    â€œPlease don't go,” begged Lorna. She looked forlorn.
    Kiera smiled, grabbed her under the arms and lifted her up. Lorna wrapped herself around Kiera's neck and buried her face in her auburn hair. Kiera gently stroked her head.
    â€œListen, Lorna, the village needs you. You will have to be a good helper to your mother while I'm away. And when I get back, I want you to show me your weaving. Finish the basket that we started before I return, and I will be very impressed.”
    Lorna nodded, her face still crestfallen.
    â€œAre you well?” Dagmar asked. “You've been so quiet.”
    Kiera shrugged and looked down. “You know how I feel about boats. I'll be glad when we get back.”
    â€œWell, think of it as an adventure. The men certainly do. They haven't even set sail yet, and already they're singing sagas about the great deeds they think they will accomplish.”
    Keira sighed, looked up and tried to smile. “Thanks. I'll try.”
    â€œAnd you still have my needles?”
    She patted her skirt. “Right here in the hem.”
    â€œWell,” Dagmar stepped forward and embraced her. “Good luck.”
    Kiera held onto Dagmar, her heart aching, wishing she could feel towards her now what she had felt only a day earlier.
    â€œI'll be back soon.”
    She gave Lorna a final kiss on the forehead. “Don't you grow up on me while I am away.”
    Lorna nodded, a tear trickling down her cheek.
    â€œKiera, let's go!”
    Thorfinn was shouting from the stern of the boat. Already the men were on board and making the final preparations for departure. Kiera grabbed her sack of clothing and ran for the walkway. As soon as she had stepped over the side, the remaining men pulled the gangplank back to shore. The boat started to drift downriver. Thorfinn, manning the large, paddle-shaped rudder that was attached to the side of the stern, worked the boat towards the middle of the waterway.
    Kiera moved to the front of the boat and took her seat, facing backwards, at the right front oar. Never in the villagers' memories had a woman ever been given the duty of rowing a longboat alongside Viking men, and from the looks that she was