Her Viking Saviour (Lore & Love Trilogy #1)

Epilogue

Odin stretched out his arms for Hugin and Munin, who made their descent towards him. He trusted his ravens more than any other mortal or immortal beings. They took their places upon his forearms, and he closed his eyes to allow their memories and thoughts to settle in his mind. Odin had been looking forward to this event, the union of Torben to his Northumbrian sjelevenn–his soulmate–Wynflaed.

Their devotion to one another fascinated him. It was pure and unadulterated, indestructible. Wynflaed was Torben’s match in every way. Odin enjoyed her fierceness and bravery. He agreed with Torben, she would make a fine Valkyrie.

Hugin and Munin had perched themselves on wooden posts that overlooked the wedding altar.

Torben and Wynflaed faced each other, hands clasped. They spoke words of love and devotion. Heartfelt and fierce. He expected nothing less. The people of Klavik formed a line and took a branch of fir from the basket Freydis held and dipped it into the bowl of goat blood borne by Ragnav. They passed Torbren and Wynflaed and flicked the blood in blessing.

Odin turned his attention to Ragnav and Freydis. Their expressions held joy, but that joy did not quite mask the other emotions he could sense lurking beneath the surface. Ragnav, while truly happy for his older brother, hid envy–not jealousy or spite–just a deep yearning to find the same love for himself that Torben had with Wynflaed. Freydis, however, held a sadness tinged with despair. He felt her grief at love lost and her fear she would never feel that way again.

"Ahh, young Freydis, a beauty like you will find love wherever you choose to seek it," he murmured out loud.

"You are obsessed with the Ulfsons, my husband. Is the beauty of young Freydis the cause?" his wife asked him, a delicate brow arched sardonically.

"My dear Frigg, you know I only have eye for you, and look how they honour you today," He winked his eye at her. This drew a smile from her, and she turned back to eating her bowl of cherries.

"I, too, have a vested interest in Freydis," interjected Freyja, "and she will find love, I will make sure of it."

"And what of Ragnav?" asked Odin, as he turned to Thor, who polished his hammer.

"What of him?"

"Do you think you can guide his path to love before Freyja succeeds with Freydis?"

Frigg groaned. "Do not encourage them to compete, Odin."

"The challenge has been set, my dearest Frigg.”

With that said, Odin threw his arms out and Hugin and Munin took flight to Midgard once again.