Coming March 16 from Samhain Publishing.
I repeat that each time because all the marketers say repetition is necessary. 🙂
I’ve been thinking about the story and how I sometimes stumble when trying to describe it. Yes, it’s erotica and I’m not shy about that but I also think that, deep down, it’s a story of faith: faith in whatever one calls higher powers and faith in each other.
I’ve been choosing bits and pieces that might make some sense out of context and also have the flavor of the story.
Here’s a little bit of Sif with Gunnhilda, the priestess of sorts for the tribe.
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“Some say that Ragnor’s reluctance to kill Leif makes him weak.” Was Gunnhilda one of those?
“Then they are looking for an excuse, something to complain about,” Gunnhilda said sharply. “I didn’t think Ragnor would be a good leader, but he is. It was a miracle how he managed to get us all here in winter, then set up the village during the time we were in the caves. But even he has limits. There’s been too much bad luck.”
“I think Freya is showing me a way,” Sif said. “I fear I will have to do more than plant squash, however. Plant something else, I think. Or be planted.”
Gunnhilda snorted. “It’s good you married Ragnor. You and Gerhard would have killed each other by now. Too much bluntness in both of you.” She sighed. “What other signs have you seen, besides Mykle and the others, and the cougar that saved Ragnor?”
Sif told of her discovery of the spring, of leading Ragnor to it and the appearance of the three cats after their lovemaking.
“Three?” Gunnhilda dropped the rake.
Sif nodded.
“That is…”
“Yes.”
“Three. That is a new number for Freya. You must worship there again, as you did with Ragnor. But when you go back, there must be three of you.”
Sif paled. Confirmation of her own fear. “You think I should do what Bera did?”
Gunnhilda shook her head. “Freya asks for a sacrifice, not wantonness. It must be as a ritual before the goddess.”