Realizing more time had passed than intended, Olaf decided that it was time to head back. Together the two packed up the remains of the afternoon’s meal as the sun set lower, spraying the skies a mixture of grey, black, orange and purple. Beyond the color show and the bright stars, the hill looked menacing, its dangers unknown to Catriona. As she sat, shivering on the horse, Olaf draped his cloak over her shoulders. Warm and content, she rested her head against his broad chest and dozed off. 

Sure she was asleep, Olaf wrapped one arm around her waist to keep her from falling forward. Just as quickly he felt his hand sting.

She slapped his hand! 

“Sae youre awake” he grunted, leaving his hand where it was. 

Mhmm she replied. 

They rode in on silence for a bit longer before she spoke again. “You need to explain what happened under the tree.” 

“And just when I thought things were going so well” Olaf grumbled. 

Mhmm she replied. 

“Where do I start?” He grunted 

“At the beginning.” 

“I’m what you would call a berserker”… he heard her gasp. 

“Within me rests the soul of a wolf. We, the Norse, release these spirits during war to devastate our enemies. I haven’t in a long time. Not since my father and brother died. I’m often caught in a struggle where the spirit wishes to take over. It is that struggle that you witnessed in the afternoon”. 

“Does it happen often?” 

“The longer I keep it inside, the worse it gets” 

“Does it hurt? When it struggles to be released?” 

He grunted, nodding his head before continuing. “Earlier, I needed a brew the Volvo would make to help me release the spirit. But now, now it just seems to have grown in power. I don’t need the brew any longer and I’m afraid of how long I’ll be able to…”

 “shhh…” she soothed him, not letting him continue further. 

They were quiet the rest of the journey – she was digesting what he had shared and he was mulling over the questions he wanted to ask her. 

As they neared the village, he spoke, “Would you tell me about the scars?” 

She blushed remembering the time he walked in on her during a bath. Thankfully it was dark and she was in front of him. At least he couldn’t see her reaction. 

They were at the castle just as she ended her story of how she survived the nunnery and how she lived by herself before she found Sir Connor.  

“Ye were very brave pretty one” he said just before he got off the horse and extended his arms to help her. This time, she accepted his help with grace. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she stumbled forward. Her heart thundered as she found herself pressed up against him. The heat from his hands, burning through her clothes. Memories from the afternoon’s magical lunch came rushing back to her and she longed for him to kiss her. He lowered his head, as if reading her mind. 

“Catriona... Inside… a word if ye please” Kieran yelled. 

Olaf grunted at the interruption and she sighed. 

“Ah best be avoiding Kieran a little while longer” he chuckled as she wriggled free of his embrace. 

“Good night mah love” he whispered as she walked off. 

After she disappeared into the castle, Olaf got back on his horse and decided to check in with Aengus. His nervousness and excitement building now. He was sure she liked him and he hoped that she would accept his presents. 

**************** 

Since their return, it had become routine for the two men to speak about future plans at the study first thing in the morning. Come morning, notwithstanding the previous day’s events, Olaf presented himself to Kieran. 

He was expecting the man to wield his sword once again, but was surprised to be greeted by a hug instead. 

“I see the lass got to you too” Olaf said to Kieran. 

Laughing Kieran nodded. He motioned Olaf to sit at the table. Yesterday’s mess had been quickly cleared and new furniture now graced the study. 

Kieran half smiled watching Olaf shift in his chair. “What? It’s not as comfortable as the last chair!” 

Kieran grinned now. “She may have convinced me to be nice, but that doesn’t mean I need to be very nice.” 

Olaf grunted. “Just you wait till it’s your turn.” 

Kieran roared with laughter. “Me? I’m never getting married” he said. 

“Haw! We’ll see. Now what did you wish to speak about this fine morning” Olaf said wanting to get this part over with quickly. He was dying to present his gifts to Catriona and wanted to, so badly, see her reaction, which he hoped by Freya, was a good one. 

“Th' dark knight” Kieran mumbled. 

Those three words, effectively killed Olaf’s mood. 

“What about him?” Olaf gritted out. 

“We have to do something. Can’t just have him living in the dungeons. He’s probably enjoying his stay.” 

Olaf thought for a long moment. “Still want to do things the Norse way?” He asked Kieran in a slow quiet growl. Kieran nodded. 

“Gimme two days then. My fleet returns here. She brings with her a Volvo. Then we'll be ready to serve him the end he deserves.” 

“Ye sure it'll be a fitting end?” Kieran asked, now curious about what Olaf had planned. 

“Steel your stomach boy. You’ve never seen anything quite as bloody. This time I won’t have ye retching all over.” 

Kieran would have laughed had it not been for the look in Olaf’s eyes. He gulped suddenly feeling uncomfortable. 

“That's it then for now.” Kieran said uncomfortably. The sense of foreboding that hit him at Olaf’s warning had left Kieran’s stomach already in knots. 

Olaf nodded as he raised himself from the chair. Now more than ever he felt the need to speak with Catriona. She must see the gentler side of him before she’s revolted by the darkness deep within his heart. She had not as yet expressed her thoughts on the secret he shared with her the night before. After their dispatch of the Dark Knight, he wondered if he’ll lose her forever. Perhaps. Perhaps he won’t. After all she would hate the Dark Knight as much as he did. Nevertheless, this wasn’t a chance he was willing to take. He would tell her of what he planned. 

But not today. 

Tomorrow. 

Today, was reserved for better things.  

He juggled the pouch in his hands, as he made his way to the longhall. She’ll be there now, breaking her morning fast. He had several surprises lined up for her today and couldn’t wait to swoop her off her feet.