She harrumphed and stomped about. He dared a glance her way, shaking his head.
"Thora." He forced a stern order into her name.
"I'll not hide."
"You will obey my orders!"
Seconds passed as she stared defiantly at him, seconds that drew his attention from the potential impending danger. Damn the woman for being so stubborn!
"You will not distract me. You are safest in the cave."
Her lips pressed together, as if she attempted to hold back her protests. The pack grew nearer, leaving Ari with no choice but to return his attention to the riders. Surely they'd seen Gyllir by now. He stepped out from his cover and froze when his gaze settled upon the leader. It couldn't be!
His brother? Yes, it was Hersir, and he was accompanied by the jarl's men. Or were they Hersir's men now? Ari realized he had no idea if the jarl still lived.
Mere moments remained before the riders spotted him. He turned to Thora, who had once again come to stand behind him. He pushed her further back into the cave.
"Get inside!"
Her resistance dashed his hope she would obey. Again, he pointed to the back of the cave, dark and hidden from view.
He glanced back over his shoulder. The riders' pace slowed. The way Hersir raised his arm confirmed to Ari he'd been seen. He turned his back to Thora, needing to focus on his brother. The one who had convinced everyone Ari was a killer and a threat to their entire clan. Except Ari now had proof the deeds, both planned and committed, were at Hersir's hands. Was he so close to clearing his name only to be struck down now? Jaw clenched, he raised his weapon, hoping the advantage of his added elevation made him more imposing. He'd not go down without taking his brother with him. At least then, for sure he'd awaken in Valhalla.
Hersir pulled his mount to a stop a few feet from the mouth of the cave, an evil grin adorning his scarred face. The other men remained a pace or two behind him.
"Ho, Ari! I'd not expected to come across you so close to Tingwalla." The grin turned to a sneer.
"I'd not expected you either."
Hersir's gaze darted behind Ari, then back. "And you're not alone."
"She doesn't concern you." He didn't look down when Kati came to stand beside him. He sensed the animal's fur standing on end, his teeth bared. A low growl sounded in the clearing. Surprise cooled the bloodthirsty eagerness in Hersir's eyes. His mount pranced and tried to bolt, taking all of the man's strength to contain the animal.
"Wolves? My how you've changed. You've grown into quite the ...animal."
Once more, Hersir fought to retain control over his horse. The men behind him kept their distance, inching around their leader until they stood on the other side of the cave, clearly positioned to flee. Satisfaction drew a smile. Even one healthy wolf left powerful warriors on edge, particularly since their horses continued to dance about in agitation. Knowing the beast beside him could easily take at least two of the men, should they dare to attack, raised Ari's confidence several more notches.
"Indeed, I have changed. Thanks to you."
The rustling behind him indicated Thora continued to move about, which once again drew his brother's attention. Angry excitement shivered through him, growing stronger. He would not let Thora fall victim to Hersir's evil. The idea that her father could give her to this poor excuse for a warrior knotted Ari's gut. His grip tightened on his sword. He'd kill her and himself before he'd let Hersir anywhere near her.
"Are you daring to go to The Thing?" Hersir asked.
"I am."
"Hersir, it's three years now, isn't it?" asked one of the men. He led the others in positioning themselves near the trail that led out of the forest. Did Hersir realize what cowards he had protecting his back?
The grin he fought to suppress dissolved when a sharp gasp echoed behind him, like a shout in his head. Damn the fool to Hel for giving away one of the secrets Ari wished to keep.
Thankfully, Thora said nothing. Still, he sensed her anger. If her rage had been a blade, he would be lying helpless, his life's blood seeping from his body. He shoved the realization deep, forcing himself to concentrate on the foe before him. He had plenty of time to deal with Thora.
"I suppose it is. So, brother, you are no longer an outcast. But I doubt you'll be welcomed by the members of our clan." Hersir's smirk grew, even as he fought to maintain his command over his mount.
Another gasp, more like a muffled shout, spurred the desire to charge Hersir. The strength to hold back his need to force the other man into battle could only have come from Odin himself. Beside him, Kati growled again. Hersir's steed gave a half buck, nearly unseating his master, a high-pitched whinny signaling the animal's fear.
Ari savored the satisfaction that arose at seeing his brother's difficulties. "I seek only to return to my life, whether in our clan, or another. And I will succeed."
Finally soothing his horse to an agitated pawing at the earth, Hersir gave another one of his evil grins. "I can't think of any who would have you, but I admire your determination to try. I am on my way to seal the bargain for a bride."
