She disentangled herself from her pets and stood. "I am sure. But it's not safe to leave our belongings."
"I will remain here," Leif announced.
"You'll be alone." Ari looked around the area of their camp and then to Leif.
"It's not the first time. Won't be the last. I have food, water and ale. Rest assured, all will be well when you return."
Thora studied Ari. His consideration of his witness' promise showed in the tense lines in his face. He seemed about to say something., but didn't. He merely nodded and turned back toward the crowded town.
With her hand in his, she walked alongside him, a thousand questions running through her mind. She wanted to know all about the others they were about to meet but one glance into Ari's stern expression gave her pause.
"You look troubled," she said.
His fingers tightened on hers. "I'm not. I am close to achieving all I've worked for these last years. Why would I be troubled?"
"Because so much can go wrong."
He stopped, tugging on her hand to bring her close. "That is true, but I refuse to dwell on it."
"Then why do you look angry?"
He heaved a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly. When he opened them, that blue-green stare pinned her in place.
"I worry that something might happen to you. I still think you would be safer with Leif and your wolves back at our shelter."
She shook her head. "I want to be beside you, so that if I am seen by anyone, they will know I stand with you willingly."
"Stubborn girl," he murmured with a soft smile. A quick press of his lips against hers and they were once more on their way.
Once again, Thora was struck by the large crowds of the market. The smell of roasting meat, the sweet scent of tarts, the musky aromas of onions and beets, reminded her she hadn't eaten since they'd broken camp this morning.
"I'm hungry," she said.
Ari chuckled. "As am I. We will eat soon, I promise."
He led her through the maze of stalls. The crowds parted when they walked past, many eyeing the wolves with concern. She tried to ignore the stares and pointing, focusing instead on the wares offered for sale. A vast array of goods lay before them, from fine fabrics and furs, to ornate and colorful pottery and metal ware. The merchants shouted over each other, making it impossible to tell who sold what for how much. Thick smoke from the fires hovered in the air, burning her eyes.
"A brooch for your lady?" a man's voice cut through the din.
Ari stopped and walked over to the metalworker's stall. An array of brooches and hairpins, as well as some lovely pendants, spread across his table. Thora found herself drawn to a dragon head pendant and picked it up to examine the jewelry.
"Do you like it?" Ari asked.
"It's lovely."
"What is the price?"
"Three pieces of hacksilver," the merchant replied, his dark beady eyes moving over Thora. "Not many travel with wolves."
"They are special," said Thora. She didn't like his leering look. When Ari fished a few pieces of metal from the pouch at his waist, her eyes widened and the uncomfortable thoughts of the merchant faded.
He handed the hacksilver to the merchant and took the pendant from Thora's hand. He motioned for her to turn and she did, allowing him to place the long chain around her neck. The feel of his fingers in her hair as he adjusted it sent a delightful shiver along her spine. She turned and wrapped her arms around him.
"Thank you! I shall treasure it always." She stepped back and fingered the dragon, lifting it to scrutinize it more closely.
He gave her another kiss, this time a broad grin brightening his face. "Come." Once more he led her deeper into the city.
"Wait!"
