"Bring the sacrifice and thegodi! We do this now!"
A low growl drew Thora's attention. Her wolves! Trying to avoid the sword pointed ominously at her, she searched the area, but did not see her pets. But they were close. Hope sprang back to life and she could breathe again. Her gaze darted among the throngs of people in the courtyard. Yet, no one else seemed to have heard.
Hersir backed away, dragging her with him. When his arm slid from her waist, his hand tight on her shoulder, she turned and bit the closest finger. He howled in pain, but his grip loosened. Thora twisted free, ducking when Hersir's fist sailed toward her face. She ran toward Ari.
Hersir's ear-splitting scream halted her flight. She turned to see Kati clamping his jaws on Hersir's sword arm, forcing the man to drop the weapon. At the same time, Kata mauled his legs, sending the man to the ground. Barks and growls, accompanied by Hersir's inhuman howls drew the attention of everyone assembled.
"Thora!"
Ari held out his hand. She ran to him, falling easily into his embrace. Facing her pets once more, she covered her ears to drown out the ever-weakening shrieks from the mauled man. For several minutes, he attempted to fight the animals off, but his movements soon weakened, his cries fading to whimpers as the wolves tore at his flesh. Blood pooled on the ground, forming a thick, red mud. Finally, Kati dove with the final blow, his fangs gauging Hersir's throat and sending the last terrified sounds into a death gurgle. The wolves stopped their attack and stood over the still body, growling at anyone who neared.
"May his soul be prevented from entering Valhalla!"
The king's proclamation rang out over the silent crowd, his gaze, like everyone else's, fixed firmly on the two wolves in the courtyard. Stunned surprise lined his face, clearly caused by the unexpected turn of events. Thora snapped her fingers.
"Kata, Kati, come!"
The animals obeyed her command, trotting over to stand beside her and Ari. Blood still coated their snouts. She would need to take them to the river and... why were such inane thoughts running through her head?
"We had heard of a wolf woman arriving in Tingwalla," Drengr said. "She is your daughter, Thorfinnson?"
Thora looked over at her father. Disbelief and confusion lined his face. Behind him, Geira emerged from the crowd, coming to stand beside him. She gave Thora a wink and a smile before she turned to her husband.
"Acknowledge the king," Geira urged.
Kori focused his gaze on Thora. The love and assurance she read there soothed her. He smiled.
"Yes, Thora is my daughter." His pronouncement rang out clearly.
Drengr stroked his beard, clearly contemplating some idea or another. Thora leaned into Ari, savoring the feel of his lips against her forehead.
"I may have a solution that will please everyone." Drengr paused and motioned the other council members close. After several minutes, they separated and Drengr faced Ari, Thora and her father again.
"Clearly, I must proclaim a new heir," Drengr began. "I placed my faith in the wrong man, but now that I have learned the truth, I would like to now name Ari Hugisson as my new heir. As such, Thorfinnson, the contract between our clans can be amended. If you choose."
Thora met Ari's stare, a crazed laugh escaping her to see the surprise lining his face, which surely matched her own. A grin slowly spread across his face and he picked Thora up and swung her around. She laughed and hugged him tight, meeting his kiss with eagerness. Around them, cheers and shouts erupted, but she barely noticed, too intent on the feel of Ari's lips on hers, the burst of happiness lighting her from the inside.
When he drew away, carefully settling her back to her feet, she leaned into him, her grip around his neck tightening. She never wanted to let go.
"Thora," he whispered. "Your father."
Uncertainty dimmed the joy and she slowly turned. She met her father's stare, hoping his bland expression didn't mean he intended to refuse.
"Father?" Her voice cracked, fear that me might decide against the change in the contract.
Kori's gaze remained firmly on Ari. "Do you love her?"
"I do," Ari vowed.
Kori stepped close, now meeting Thora's gaze. Her heart hammered against her chest, fearful of his decision. Didn't matter. One way or another, she intended to stay with Ari, even if it meant she would be cast out of her clan, never to see her family again.
"And do you love him?" her father asked.
The lump in her throat nearly prevented her from speaking, She swallowed twice and lifted her chin, the feeling of Ari's comforting hand on her shoulder soothing the agitation setting her legs atremble. She lifted her chin.
"I do love him, Father. And no matter what you –"
Kori held up his hand, his dark stare warm and understanding. "Then I will agree to Drengr's terms."
