Tales of Freya by Sarah Dahl
A
collection of sensual short stories set in the Viking Age
In a world
of crackling fires and rough landscapes, long winters and bloody raids, the
immediacy of life and death ignites undeniable passions. Warriors and monks,
healers and housewives -- all follow the call of their hearts and bodies to
indulge in pleasures that may forever change their lives.
Healer
– The Gift of Dreams
(the
fifth Tale of Freya)
Viking farmer Magnus is plagued by a demon. Since his wife’s death, the
dreaded Mara tortures his body and mind. Powerless, he sends for a healer, the
unexpectedly young and beautiful Audr … Are her sensual powers and his
unleashed virility enough to banish the demon from his bed?
Set in the Viking era, this is a stand-alone,
adult read with a HEA.
Excerpt:
"Breathe deeper. Longer."
Magnús wanted to protest, then to try, but something emanated from the
tips of the healer‘s fingers that closed off his throat. He felt a hundred
years old, but at the same time as helpless as a newborn.
The healer knelt behind him. Audr‘s voice made the little hairs in his
neck prickle. "I'll comb your hair, extract the vile spirits that got
tangled in there. Too close to you." Her last sentence was a mere whisper,
and he shivered.
Too close to him.
He straightened as much as he could. Knives stabbed his back, right
above his belt. He almost toppled over and yelped.
Then her hands were there, feeling the shape of his skull and the
length of his hair. He felt the teeth of her comb slide into his snarled
strands and hoped she wouldn't notice that Alvi hadn't bathed or groomed him
lately. The gentle, consistent tugging at his hair was a rare caress and sent
goosebumps across his scalp as she stroked from his forehead to where the strands
ended below his shoulder blades. Her fingers didn't touch him, but he had to
bite his lips in an effort not to shudder with delight. The sensation was
magical. So strong it numbed the sharpest stings of pain.
"Does she do it for you?" the healer asked.
"Who?" His voice came out breathless.
"Your slave."
"I can look after myself."
"Not in all respects." Her inoffensive chuckle spoke a deeper
truth.
Sarah Dahl
Sarah Dahl
lives on the edge of the rural German Eifel and writes historical fiction
primarily set in the Viking age. She also works as an editor, translates, and
coaches new writers in German and English. She is interested in everyday life
in bygone centuries and the human stories that may have occurred behind the
hard, historical facts. Her author page is: sarah-dahl.com
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See you on your next coffee break!
Take Care,
Mary Anne xxx