Surrender To The Viking Read Online Free PDF

was keen to speak to him and later that morning the two men adjourned to a quiet corner where they could speak privately. Finn sat down and waited for his host to open the conversation.
    ‘I have thought on the matter we discussed before,’ said Ottar. ‘I will supply you with a warship and the crew to man her. My brother, Njall, will provide another.’
    Finn was momentarily incredulous. Two big warships would carry a hundred and sixty men. When combined with his own he’d have more than enough to defeat Steingrim.
    ‘That is generous, my lord.’
    ‘In addition I will ensure that each ship is well provisioned and her crew armed for the task.’
    ‘I thank you.’ The cost of provisioning a warship was considerable, never mind two. It was far more than Finn had been expecting. He was grateful too but such munificence came at a price. Clearly Ottar was expecting something considerable in return.
    ‘It will take a little while to organise this, of course,’ the jarl went on, ‘but not too long, I hope.’
    ‘In the meantime I will head down the coast to my estate at Ravndal. Our continued presence here will not go unremarked and eventually Steingrim will learn of it. I’ll not risk subjecting this steading to an attack.’
    ‘I appreciate your consideration. The ships will join you at Ravndal then.’
    ‘It is well.’ Finn paused regarding his companion shrewdly. ‘And now, my lord, perhaps you will tell me what I can do for you in return.’
    Ottar’s gaze met his. ‘In return I want you to take my daughter to wife.’
    Finn stared at him. He’d been expecting many things but nothing like this. Almost immediately he upbraided himself for not having foreseen it.
    ‘She has a fine dowry of silver and land,’ his companion went on. ‘I’m not going to pretend that my Lara is a biddable young woman. We both know she isn’t. She’ll need a firm hand and no mistake. The question is, are you willing to accept the challenge?’
    Finn was silent, trying to order his thoughts. At first sight it might seem that Ottar merely wished to be rid of a problem but the truth went deeper than that. Marriage created enduring alliances and the jarl was a wealthy and powerful ally. Viewed objectively, the offer of his daughter’s hand was a considerable honour. Finn had not the least doubt that her dowry was handsome. Nor had he the least doubt that the ships and swords he required were dependent upon his accepting this condition. Furthermore, refusal would be regarded as a grave insult. He couldn’t afford to make an enemy when he might have a willing ally and Ottar knew that. Finn acknowledged with grudging admiration just how cleverly he’d been manipulated. There was only one viable response.
    ‘Yes, my lord, I’m willing to accept.’
    Ottar beamed. ‘Excellent.’
    ‘However, your daughter may be of a different mind.’
    ‘Lara will be delighted.’
    Finn had doubts about that though he didn’t voice them. The matter was decided now. He had not expected to marry again or indeed felt inclined to do so, but this was not just about personal inclination. It was about survival, his and that of his family. He would do what was necessary to achieve that. The immediate future was going to be more complicated than he’d envisaged but that couldn’t be helped. He turned his mind to practicalities.
    ‘The wedding will have to take place almost at once. I sail for Ravndal two days hence.’
    ‘The feast tonight can serve a double function,’ replied Ottar, ‘if you are so minded.’
    Finn nodded. It made sense. ‘Why not?’
    ‘I’ll go and inform Lara of the arrangement and tell her to prepare herself.’
    * * *
    After Ottar had gone Finn left the hall and wandered down to the promontory. As he’d anticipated it was deserted now so he found a convenient boulder and sat down, his gaze on the view. However, his thoughts were not about the scenery. By now Ottar would have informed Lara of what was toward. Her