Katarina carried a basket over her arm and began walking toward the forest. Her mind was heavy with thoughts of Leif and his lack of supplies. She could not simply stand aside and assume that he would provide enough. And if that meant gathering more, she would do it. She set snares daily, and this time, she intended to preserve the meat for the winter.
Though she didn’t relish the idea of going alone into the woods, neither did she want to be a burden upon her brother. Other women gathered food each day, carrying only a blade for protection. So could she. She pushed back her apprehension and forced herself to walk.
Before she crossed the meadow, she saw Arik striding toward her. She slowed her pace so he could catch up. “You should not be here without an escort.”
Katarina agreed with him, but did not want to appear a coward. She touched the blade at her waist. “I have a weapon. There is no need to fear for my sake.”
“No woman should walk alone. A stranger could come into these woods and attack you unawares. I will not leave you defenseless.” He moved to her side to prove his point.
“And you will protect me?” she teased, eying him. “Without a weapon? Or would you borrow my blade?”
His gaze grew serious. “I would use whatever was necessary. My fists, stones—even your blade, if needed.”
She believed him. Although he had lost a great deal of strength, there was a quiet certainty within him that brought her reassurance. “All right.”
He began walking alongside her and added, “I also wanted to speak with you.”
So that was the true reason he’d come. She shrugged and continued walking. “What is it?”
He followed her into the forest, along the narrow trail. The afternoon sun rose high above them, casting shadows over the narrow saplings. “I need to return to East Anglia.”
Katarina paused, startled that he would want to go so soon. “You only just arrived home. Why would you want to go back?” She wondered if his brother was in trouble, or if there was another reason…like a wife he had left behind.
“I have my own reasons.” His voice was calm, giving away nothing. “But I wanted to ask you how I can get a ship.”
She wasn’t about to be deterred from her curiosity. “Did you leave a family there? Is that the reason?”
He sent her an incredulous look. “I hardly had time for that, Katarina.”
“You were gone for over a year,” she reminded him. “And after you survived a shipwreck, all you want to do is return to East Anglia? What else should I think?”
He stopped walking and rested his hand against a tree trunk. His gaze turned pensive. “My ship was lost at sea. I have to have another.”
He was hiding his true reasons. “Arik, if you found happiness with Svala and are going back to her, so be it. I wish you well.” She hated the edge of jealousy that hung within her voice. There was no reason to be envious, for she had a man of her own now. Let Arik Thorgrim do whatever he wished.
“Not at all.” He startled her when he moved forward and took her hand. “I know that you were upset when I left. But my reasons for leaving Rogaland now have nothing to do with another woman.”
Her thoughts scattered at the pressure of his palm on hers. Why did he have such an effect upon her? A year was more than enough time to forget her infatuation. And yet, she could not deny that this man unraveled her good sense.
Katarina forced a smile and answered, “As you say.”
If he wanted to leave again, it mattered not to her. She pulled back her hand, needing to regain her concentration. Just because Arik Thorgrim had accompanied her did not mean anything at all.
“Your father might help you with a ship—” she started to say, but then thought better of it. “No. He will not allow you to leave, since you only just returned. He will want you to stay for some time.”
“I know he does.” Arik’s voice was cool and unsympathetic. “But he is not in command of my life. Let him bejarl, if that is what he wants.”
“He wants you to lead us.” Katarina was well aware of Valdr’s frustration. Whether or not Arik wanted to take that responsibility,there was no one better suited. The other men lacked leadership.
“I cannot be the leader, because I intend to return to East Anglia. I need to learn what became of my land,” he insisted.
There was an intensity in his voice that went beyond the desire to return. She tried to remain impassive, but her curiosity was piqued.
“It may be several weeks before anyone leaves Rogaland,” she said carefully. “None of the men who accompanied you to East Anglia have returned, save you and one other. Valdr cannot afford to leave our settlement unprotected.”
“Only one?” He frowned at her statement.
“Grafr arrived back a few weeks ago. He was the one who told us that you were struck down.” The man had been the only survivor, so they’d believed.
