“But it’s cold,” I protested with a pout. I wanted to go and see Uttin’s fighting skills, but I also wasn’t looking forward to going out there.
Simon made a face, then put a finger up. “Stay here for just a second.” He walked around the fire to the other side, leaning down to speak with an older woman who was helping prepare the food. When he gestured in my direction, I shot him a questioning look, but he ignored me and continued to speak with the woman. She waved at the fire, saying something in response,and the chubby redhaired man next to her knelt down beside it to fetch something.
When Simon came back, he had stones wrapped in cloths and handed me one, cupping the other in his hand. “It’ll keep our hands warm at the very least. And when they are finished, our barbarians can warm the rest of us.”
Smirking, I wrapped Uttin’s cloak tighter around me, holding the stone close to my chest. I braced myself when Simon led me out of the tent, grimacing at the sharp wind. How the sun could be out but the air still be so cold was beyond me. It was misleading.
We followed a well trodden path past the half-buried tents and toward the forest. Simon had warned me about the forest and the creatures that were inside it, so I didn’t want to go anywhere near there. Luckily, the area that we stopped at was just outside the forest edge. There was a blazing fire and a larger area cleared of snow where barbarians were circled, watching the fight in the middle. My mouth fell open when I noticed Uttin facing down the terrifying barbarian I’d had the misfortune of bumping into my first day.
They circled each other, trading blows and pushing apart like some kind of dance. From the sweat pouring off the both of them, they’d been at this a while, and still they both moved steadily like they felt no fatigue at all.
“Matthew,” Simon hissed, beckoning a pale man with shaggy brown hair over to him.
The man was about average height for the people of this country, but more filled out than those I’d met in the towns. He had a bow slung across his back and more weapons attached to his belt. Despite his range of weapons, he looked nervous, and when he stopped beside Simon, he clung to Simon’s hand like a lifeline.
“Zakai, this is Matthew. He’s Einar’s bondmate.” He jerked his chin toward the barbarian facing off with Uttin. My eyes widened to the point they felt like they would fall from my head.
“Him? Really?” I squawked.
Simon translated my words, then switched to the barbarian language, speaking slowly but in full sentences so we both could understand. I didn't understand all of it, but every word Simon knew I wouldn’t know, he translated.
“They bonded for Matthew’s protection and fell in love later. Matthew saved my life once. He’s a good man.”
The brunette blushed fiercely and shook his head but didn’t say a word. I cocked my head with a frown.
“Is he mute?”
When Simon translated the question, Matthew grimaced. Simon chuckled and squeezed his hand in reassurance. “Not mute. Criminally shy. He wasn’t well treated in his own town and still has a stutter when talking to strangers. He’s getting better, though. With people he trusts, he can speak.”
“Ah.” I nodded. I’d heard of this affliction before. My aunt had it before my mother married my father and brought her along when moving to our capital city. It took time and training for her to speak eloquently. “That’s okay. I prefer to talk. Does he speak my tongue?”
Simon snorted and shook his head. “No. He’s still learning the barbarian language. You need to learn the common tongue. You aren’t doing yourself any favors by refusing.”
I made a face. “I’m already learning one language. It would be impossible for me to learn two.” Then, thoughtfully, I added, “But if Uttin rewards me the same way, I wouldn’t say no once I’m better with the barbarian language.”
Seventeen
ZAKAI
We watched for a little while as the men clashed over and over. Uttin was strong and steady, but Einar was intense and got the better of him several times. Each time, Uttin learned from his mistake and tried again. It was fascinating to watch.
At one point, they both removed their tunics. I enjoyed seeing Uttin’s muscles sparkling with sweat, bunching and shifting as he moved. Simon had to poke me in the side at one point because I couldn’t look away.
“You’re going to start drooling,” he commented with a snicker.
I flipped him off, refusing to drag my gaze away from Uttin. He dropped low suddenly, and I sucked in a breath as he swept out his leg and knocked Einar off his feet, sitting on his chest as he swung toward Einar’s jaw. Matthew let out a startled noise, and Uttin’s fist froze bare inches from Einar’s face. He pulled back and rose to his feet, offering his hand to Einar, who slapped it away and stood on his own. He grumbled something under his breath and Uttin nodded, allowing Einar to walk away.
Einar headed straight for Matthew, taking his wrist and pulling him away. I watched in confusion until Simon explained, “Einar doesn’t like when Matthew is upset. Matthew can only stay out here until it starts to upset him before Einar will take him away to calm down. I assume he’ll be back later to pick up this lesson. I’m going to go see my bondmate. Have fun!”
He wiggled his fingers, then slipped through the crowd to where his bondmate was glowering. It surprised me that Simon would be with such a grump. I didn’t think it was part of his personality to put up with that. But whenever I was around, Simon’s bondmate was scowling, and I had no clue why.
“Tavi,” Uttin said as he came up to my side.
I turned to face him, grinning at the sweaty expanse of muscle right in front of me.
“Hello, handsome,” I purred.
“Zakai not cold?” he asked, amusement in his eyes.
