"One of Hersir's closest "friends" told me himself how they had set a trap for the other clan, lulling their leader into thinking they had made a trustworthy alliance that would see them all safe and comfortable. After, when this man, and others close to Hersir began to voice their doubts..."
Ari shrugged. "He threatened them, their wives and children. And like me, they were forced to flee or cast out, though not quite in so grand a manner."
Suddenly, she had to know. Had to learn just what made him the man who sat across from her now. Her pleas to the gods seemed to appear to be finally answered. Still, she must ask to be sure.
"What did they do to you?"
"Nothing, except make claims against me. But not long after they named me murderer, they fled in secrecy, under cover of night. Whether Hersir knew and let them go, thinking they were no threat, or he truly didn't know, I can't say. But I was named an outlaw before the jarl and the elders, declared a criminal in the eyes of all those in my clan."
A full understanding of his determination to get to The Thing settled over her. She had to admire it, even though it led to his callous betrayal. Still, the anger seemed less fierce, the pain a little duller. No! Those thoughts led to forgiveness and she wasn't ready to forgive him. Might never be.
Foolish girl. Of course you'll forgive him.She ignored the taunting voice. She wanted to make her own choices for her life and staying with Ari assured she never would have that chance.
"And when you have cleared your name what will you do?"
"I haven't decided. I'd like to go home, to visit with my mother for a time, but I don't think I will return entirely to my clan."
"Why not?" She shouldn't keep asking questions. The answers she received only softened her resolve to remain detached until she had the chance to flee. Yet, a small part of her wanted to go to Tingwalla with him, just to see what happened when he finally gained his justice.
"I no longer belong there. I've learned many things during my travels, and I am not the same person I was when I was cast out."
She understood that. Her journey so far was much shorter than his and she had changed in so many ways, even before Ari had come into her life. Of course, he had changed her far more than she'd ever imagined possible. For better or not, she still wasn't sure.
"So where will you go? Surely you want to settle down after the last years of traveling."
"I'd thought to go south for a time. Towards Odense."
She stared at him, unsure of how to respond. When she'd first left her village, she'd had the same intention. A person could easily get lost in a city the size of Odense, and that had been her aim. That Ari possessed similar thoughts roused thousands of questions, though none formed completely, more a maelstrom of chaotic half-thoughts.
"It's a big city." Those were the only words she managed to force out.
Ari nodded, his gaze still focused unwaveringly on her. "It is. Should be an easy matter to find work."
"Before you were cast out, what did you do?" Despite her intention not to ask more questions, the words came out before she'd even realized they'd formed.
"I was a blacksmith."
That explained his fine sword and the craftsmanship of his other tools. Had he made them himself? She forced the additional questions aside and turned her attention to the cooking fish. It was done and she picked up two skewers and handed them to Ari. He took them with a nod of thanks, but said nothing. They ate in silence, Thora's thoughts still a whirlwind. She sensed him watching her, but she deliberately avoided looking at him. It would only make it harder to stay angry with him. Bad enough she was certain what the coming night would bring, she didn't need him playing with her wits. Her body he could have.
But not her heart.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The play of emotions on Thora's face told Ari of the chaotic thoughts assailing her. For a moment, he thought about telling her more of his skills and plans, but doubted she would welcome any explanations. Not yet. But he'd seen the compassion in her eyes, even as she'd fought to maintain her angry demeanor.
He couldn't blame her. He had lied, had intended to use her, still did, and understood how she must feel betrayed. His remorse ate at him, likely because his feelings for her had grown. After the confrontation with his brother, the idea of being apart from her, for any reason, had roused a greater pain than the one he'd known when he'd been banished.
Not that he'd tell her that. If she knew what lurked in his heart, if she believed him, it would give her the power to tear him apart in the worst way. He wanted her to stand by him, support his goals, and stay with him once he was again a feared and honorable warrior. Why did he so badly want that to be her choice? Because if he forced her, he would never be sure of her true feelings for him. He held back his roar of frustration, his thoughts veering to the romantic notions of women. Had Thora cast some spell leaving him unsure as an untried boy, or did Odin and the other gods test him in some way?
No matter, he would not reveal such weakness. If Thora, or anyone else, knew how he felt, knew his desperate need to keep her safe, they would use the flaw against him, possibly destroying his chance to be redeemed. No one would keep him from restoring his honor.
Not even Thora.
As he swallowed the last of his fish, he reached for the waterskin at the same time as Thora. Their hands brushed and she snatched her fingers away before he could capture them with his. He wondered if she intended to refuse him tonight. Part of him hoped she would, so he could render her helpless and focus on showing her just how much lay between them. Until he was free to tell her he cared, the only way he could demonstrate what he felt was with his body. He lifted the skin, his gaze holding Thora's as he took a long drink. He handed the skin to her and he noted how careful she was to avoid touching him this time. He let her have the small victory. Later, he'd have her surrender.
"Do you wish to return to the stream to bathe?" he asked, keeping his tone casual.
She nodded. "I would like to. Kati will go with me."
