In truth, Thork marveled at her storytelling talent, surely a harmless activity. And Thork’s heart tugged at Ruby’s delight in the smiles she saw spreading on his sons’ faces. Thork knew Ruby thought of them as her own sons, impossible as that was. The boys sat spellbound, forgetful of their loneliness and other concerns. Leastways, Thork had Ruby to thank for that.
But then Thork’s eyes narrowed as he saw a mischievous light glitter in the wench’s eyes. What now?
“There’s one more story I forgot,” Ruby said, looking directly at Thork. He tried to give her silent warning that she pushed too far, but she barged ahead heedlessly, as usual.
“Once upon a time, there was a big, ugly giant named Thork and a boy named Jack who planted a magic beanstalk…”
Thork frowned at her teasing but let her go on as he sipped from his goblet. Later, he would get back at the wily wench for her audacious behavior.
As Ruby portrayed the giant as a bumbling, stupid oaf, his tolerance level lowered, but he couldn’t protest because of the children. When Ruby lowered her voice to a deep growl, mimicking his voice exactly, and chanted, “Fee, fie, fo, fum. I smell the blood of an Englishman,” the children squealed madly, repeating the refrain three times, and Thork couldn’t help but smile indulgently.
She told the infuriating story three times. At the end, Ruby glanced at him hesitantly. They shared a smile that made Thork’s heart thud wildly. What was the witch doing to him?
Enough was enough! Thork stood abruptly to leave for the palace but pulled Ruby aside first. He whispered in her ear, “I concede this one small battle to you, wench, but do not mistake it for aught but a skirmish. You will pay, and pay well, in the end.” With that, he gave her a quick pinch on her deliciously rounded bottom and left, much pleased with her squeaky yelp of indignation.
Chapter Five
Ruby awakened to dawn light streaming through the unshuttered window in her room. Surprisingly, she’d slept soundly through the night. No dreams. No return to the future, either, she realized grimly.
Ruby used the chamber pot under her bed, next to which was stacked a neat pile of worn linen squares—the Viking equivalent of toilet paper. She’d always wondered about that.
Then she washed briskly with the cold water left in the pitcher on the table and dressed in the same clothes, hoping to slip out of the house for her usual early morning run. She might not be able to return to her normal life, but she hoped that adhering to some of her regular routines would put some stability in this shaky world she’d entered, keep her from going totally, over-the-edge crazy.
She tiptoed down the stairs without attracting the notice of the two thralls who already worked at the fireplace preparing the morning meal. The one named Lise ground grain into flour on a stone quern. Bodhil, the other female thrall, kneaded dough in an enormous trough and, without allowing time for leavening, rolled the batter into small loaves and placed them in long-handled, circular metal pans in the hot ashes of the fire.
Ruby slipped out the back door and did some leg bends to warm up. Then she saw Tyra walking out of the barn.
“My goodness, Tyra, what are you doing up so early? And all by yourself!”
“Nay, I am not alone. Helping Gudrod with the horses I am. And the new kittens. Mayhap you would like to see them?” she asked hopefully.
“Later, honey. Right now I’m going jogging.”
“Jogging? What is that?”
“Running. It is…” Ruby searched for a substitute word for exercise that Tyra would understand. Failing that, she said, “Running makes me feel good.”
“Oh. I like to run, too, but Mother says ’tis not comely for a girl to gallop around like a colt.” Tyra giggled and added, “But sometimes I cannot help myself.”
“Sweetheart, all little girls like to run. It’s natural. But where I come from women do it, too.”
“Really?” She gaped at Ruby in wonder. “Can I come with you?”
“Well… I suppose,” Ruby agreed hesitantly. Since they would only be gone a short time, Ruby assumed it would be all right. They’d probably be back before the family awakened.