‘Sometimes,’ he said, amused by the little gasp she made. Turning to the side, he prodded at the small cauldron that she had moved to the side of the fire. ‘Did you leave any for me?’
‘Yes... I hope you do not mind. I got...lost.’ She frowned at her repetition, and he had to smother his smile. The cauldron lay not far from her feet, and he reached for it.
She quickly pulled her legs up when his hand neared her, and for some reason the defensive move offended him. He dragged it towards him with a noisy clatter, making it clear what his true intention had been.
A quick peek beneath the lid revealed a meagre portion, but then the meal had only been meant for him and Sten. His dog could go hunting for vermin in the cave tonight, but he would have to make do with what was left. At least it was still hot, he thought gratefully as he took the wooden spoon and began to shovel it in his mouth.
‘Sorry... I—’ She paused, and then began to talk quickly about her troubles. How she had gone searching for the Jarl’s sons. How she had found them but had given them her sleigh to travel home on, deciding to walk back alone on foot. Then she had seen wolves and had gone further up into the mountain to avoid them, and so she had ended up here.
It was a long and unnecessary explanation. The boys sounded selfish and stupid, but that was to be expected considering their age and status. Embla seemed concerned for them despite their lack of wisdom, which suggested she had a kind heart and only improved his opinion of her.
He liked watching her face as she talked, the flush on her round cheeks and the way her lips worked so quickly, tripping over words and thoughts.
The stew was good too, better than anything he had eaten in months.
How was that even possible?
She had only used the ingredients he had provided. She had nothing else with her, no pack or supplies. Just some clothes and a belt left out to dry, but then he noticed a small flagon on the ground.
‘Do you have ale?’ he interrupted, his mouth already watering with anticipation.
‘Ah, no... It is mead...’
He grabbed it eagerly. Sten perked up at his sudden movement, his tail thumping wildly with excitement. He poured a little of the amber nectar into the cauldron, swirled it around and then offered it to Sten, who began to lick it clean. Then Runar lifted the flagon to his own lips, guzzling down the sweet liquid with relish.
Embla stared at him in horror, and he slowly lowered the flagon, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. ‘I thought we were sharing. You ate—’
‘Of course! That is not...’ She blushed, holding up a lily-white hand, ‘Nothing... It was nothing.’
It was then he realised that it was his poor manners that had shocked her, and not the sharing... Well, maybe the sharing with Sten, but his pet had earned his treat.
Embla didn’t look disgusted however. She quickly waved it away as if it were nothing and gave him a hesitant smile. ‘Have it all. I will collect some snow to drink...in a while...when my clothes are dry...and then I will be on my way.’ She gathered the bedding closer. ‘Are you the hunter that comes down to trade in the autumn?’
‘Yes.’ He wasn’t sure what else to say. He didn’t want her to leave, but how could he make her stay?
‘What is your name?’ she asked.
Ah, so even his name wasn’t allowed in Gudvangen then,he thought with amusement.
It didn’t sadden him to learn of it; he had never belonged there anyway.
‘Runar,’ he answered. Dropping down beside her with a thud, he tried to ignore the way she flinched.
What did she expect him to do?
Remain crouching all night, while she sat prettily on his furs? He leaned back against a boulder and pointed towards the side of the cave. ‘There is a water barrel over there.’
She squinted into the darkness and then gave a nervous nod.
Removing his weapons, he tossed them as far away from them both as possible, hoping it would reassure her that he meant her no harm. But she seemed to jump with each thud or clang of metal.
‘The blizzard is getting worse,’ he said, and then felt like an idiot, because that was obvious from the howling wind and the flurry of snow at the mouth of the cave. But he strangely wanted to speak more with her...even if it was only about the weather. He had never imagined he would everwantto speak with anyone. Usually, he avoided conversation as much as Sten avoided a bath.
‘Oh...’ Embla stared at the entrance with a horrified expression. ‘Can I stay here...just until tomorrow? Maybe, it will be clear by then.’
It took Runar a moment to realise she was asking for his permission. ‘I do not own this cave. You can stay here forever if you wish.’
She blinked, her pink lips falling open.
