Raging Sea Read Online Free

Aislinn,” he said, drawing her into the shelter of the edge of the tent. “I heard the gods’ words in what you said. And we know that Lord Hugh heads north, too.”
    Her gaze darkened and he reached out to her, trying to offer what comfort he could, for terrible, dark days awaited all of them ahead. Embracing her and wishing he could save her from the pain and loss to come, he nodded at the group of warriors who trained in spite of the torrential rains and lashing winds.
    â€œSee, our new allies prepare themselves to meet the challenges ahead. With the warblood and the fireblood at our side, we will defeat the evil one . . . again.”
    The first battle had been theirs, but not without the steep price of lives lost. But they’d found the truest of allies, two who had inherited their powers directly from the gods. And William Warblood’s sworn men to fight at their sides.
    â€œAnd the two we seek now in Orkney? Will they join us?” Aislinn asked as a shiver shook through her.
    â€œThe powers that rise in their blood make them Warriors of Destiny,” he said. “That cannot change. But only they can decide on which side they fight.” Marcus released her and stepped back. “It is our responsibility to find and teach and guide these new ones, just as we did with William and Brienne.”
    The two whose names he had just spoken touched his mind then with their thoughts, curious about the reason. Once they had successfully sealed the first circle, the gods had gifted them with a bond that connected their thoughts with those of Marcus and Aislinn. A bond that had also cost them dearly but one that would be a huge advantage in the coming battles. Marcus and Aislinn faced those two and Marcus waved them off.
    â€œOur prayers seem unaccepted,” Aislinn whispered, as she pulled her cloak tighter around her slim form. “It has been days.”
    â€œAh, but if we are trapped here, so is Lord Hugh,” he said. “And it gives us more time to train the men.”
    Aislinn nodded and watched that training in silence at his side. She left when Brienne summoned her, leaving Marcus to contemplate their next voyage and their next confrontation.
    Though they were victorious the first time, he did not underestimate their enemies or their determination to free the goddess from her otherworldly prison.
    The sun burst through the thick clouds then, illuminating the area around them. The warriors training and fighting let out a cheer at the sight and warmth of it, but it did not warm Marcus’s blood or raise his spirits.
    Darkness was spreading. Chaos threatened all that they held dear. Destruction of the world in which they lived was the goddess’s promise. And no amount of sunshine could remove those fears from his heart.
    He only hoped his prayers would be heard and that the Warriors of Destiny would finally prevail against the evil one who could destroy all of humanity.

Chapter 2
    North Sea, off Mainland of Orkney
    Spring, AD 1286
    R an closed her eyes and lifted her face into the sea winds. The boat sailed across the dark surface of the firth between Scotland and the islands that made up Orkney to the north. She did not hold on to the ropes or the side of the boat for she could keep her balance no matter how rough the waves became.
    Though winter was losing its grip and days would soon grow warmer and longer, Ran Sveinsdottir knew better than to underestimate the calm-surfaced seas. Since the time she could walk, she had sailed at her father’s side. In good weather and bad. In all seasons and seas. The ominous weather seemed to stay to their south and the dark, threatening clouds hugged the northern edge of Scotland and did not move.
    She leaned against the side of the boat, not their largest, and peered out at the lands just rising from the sea ahead of them. Ran squinted into the distance and allowed herself to savor the view of . . . home. Two