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and leave?”
    A lot of head shaking was going on.
    Bjorn looked at Eriik questioningly, “Well, what do we do?”
    Eriik didn’t budge, “ Wait.” 
    The castle was terrified.  Lady Lillian couldn’t possibly be turned over to a band of raiders, but what would become of them if she was not?
    Everyone was whispering and holding loved ones close when one by one all heads turned toward the stairs as Lillian slowly descended the stairway.  She looked as if she were going to the gallows.  Was she really going with them?  Surely not!  And just as everyone was guessing, she crossed the great room, hugged her father and said in a strong, loud voice, “Good bye, Father.  Good bye, all.  Step away from the gates please.”
    “Oh sweet pea!” The tears were coursing down his cheeks.  Even Beatrice looked sad, probably upset about her lost political power.  Lillian broke free and walked unfaltering toward Eriik without a whimper.  The life she knew was over.  A new life was beginning this day, and she prayed to God that she would not be wishing for death soon. 
    Eriik, even though he had made this a demand, was very surprised to see her walking straight for him, not wavering, not crying, as strong as any Norsewoman would have been.  In a strange way, he was proud of her.  When she reached him, he took her arm and with his entire army, walked quickly away, never looking back.

Chapter 8
     
    Eriik led his men back to their camp on the beach and everyone started busying themselves for the night and the journey to come, everyone that is, except Lillian and the whores, who had followed behind.  Lillian had never felt more uncomfortable in her entire life.  The girls were talking amongst themselves, making bawdy comments about the men, trading uncouth stories about the nights they had spent with them, and Lillian was turning a brilliant shade of red.  When one of the girls noticed her blushing, she put her arms around Lillian’s shoulders and said loudly enough for most everyone to hear, “Don’t worry dearie, you’ll have your turn soon enough with the big one.  I’d even bet you’re a virgin too.  Oh my, that should be a night to remember.  Tell you what girlie, I’d be glad to trade places with ya, well not the virgin part.  Don’t think I could pull that off.  But I wouldn’t mind havin’ a go at that one, eh ladies?”  All the women laughed and Lillian hid her face in her cloak.
    Lillian was not only embarrassed, but terrified, and not for the first time that day.
    She sat in the same place, unmoving until Eriik approached with some food and water and said unemotionally, “Eat”…which she did.  Her stomach had been feeling none too well but after eating the surprisingly good fare, she started to feel a little better.  She guessed she would stay there through the night as it seemed she was the only one without shelter, but before she could even finish that thought, Eriik came walking over to her with his usual long strides and she came to a different conclusion just by the look on his handsome face.  Her conclusion seemed to be correct.  He took her by the hand and swept her into his arms as if she were nothing but a small child.  She thought about resisting but decided that would be utterly absurd, considering his size and strength.  He would do what he would. 
    He set her down inside his tent and she stood straight and tall . She would not cower or beg.  She would stand up to him and be her father’s daughter in every way, strong and unfaltering.  She looked him straight in the eye, “Will you be raping me tonight?”
    Eriik appreciated her directness, her straight spine and strong attitude.  He also appreciated her full breasts, those wondrous emerald eyes and long dark hair.  By Thor, how he wanted to caress her nipples and lave them with his tongue.  Instead, he looked unaffected and said simply, “No.  Wash up and get ready for sleep.  Tomorrow will be a day like