Iskko shook his head, glancing between Runar and Embla curiously. ‘No... But thank you anyway. I have changed my mind about going to Gudvangen. I only came to tell you that the path should be clear. It is fortunate I saw you this far down the mountain, as it will save me a long journey back.’
‘What changed your mind?’
Iskko gave him a wide grin. ‘A woman has caught my eye. We met with another Samisiida. They have decided to join us for a bear hunt, before heading back north. I am determined to win her hand before they leave.’
‘Then I wish you luck!’
Iskko snorted. ‘You should wish yourself the same! Why would you let her go so easily?’
‘How is my mother and Lejo?’ Runar asked, hoping to avoid further talk of losing Embla.
‘Your mother is well, although she won’t be when she hears of Embla’s leaving. She has been crowing to anyone who will listen that she now has a beautiful daughter... And Lejo’s ears have certainly perked up since meeting new faces!’ He laughed, and Runar was relieved to hear Lejo was already beginning to recover from his failed romance.
‘Good.’ Runar nodded. ‘And my mother will understand about Embla.’
‘Hmm... You should come and see us, after you have delivered her home.’ Iskko gestured to Embla with his head. ‘The women of the visitingsiidamight distract you from your woes, like they have done with Lejo...’
Runar shook his head. ‘I doubt it. But I will visit before the lake fully melts. I have gifts for the children. Before you go, I have something to ask you—it is regarding the care of my animals while we are gone.’
‘Go ahead.’
Runar gave his instructions to Iskko, and then they exchanged a hearty hug of farewell. Iskko gave Embla a cheerful wave before turning his dogs back down the mountain.
‘What were you talking about? Did I hear you say something about your friend Lejo?’ she asked.
They had spoken of Lejo’s disappointment with Sinná, so he explained, ‘Anothersiidahas met with them, and he has been distracted from his misfortune. Iskko has also decided to stay, and will no longer be coming with us to Gudvangen.’
Embla nodded, her face pale as she gave him a weak smile. ‘Truthfully, I confess I am glad he won’t be coming with us. Although I like Iskko, it will be good to spend some more time alone with you before we return.’
Runar nodded. He felt the same, but part of the reason he had invited Iskko was to slowly wean himself off Embla’s presence. Now he feared it would be like cutting off all his limbs at once, and he would bleed to death when she left him.
‘Come, we should prepare for the journey ahead.’
Runar began to walk back to the cabin, unsure of what to say. Maybe he had still hoped she would change her mind at the last moment? But her calm acceptance over returning was enough for him to realise his hopes were foolish.
As they headed back to the cabin, he felt as if he were walking towards his own execution.
Embla was grateful they were much better prepared for the caves on the way back. Runar had a very large pack with him, plenty of torches for the tunnels, and she had an extra fur cloak, as well as a matching hat. They were similar in style to Runar’s bearskin and made from the furs he had collected during their stay together. Hers were prettier in her opinion, compared to his old brown bearskin; she wore a patchwork of silver-and-white reindeer hides that were soft to the touch.
Even though it was spring, there was still enough chill in the air and snow on the ground to warrant the extra layers. She chuckled thinking how similar they must look now. Two wild creatures coming down from the mountains.
Runar frowned at her amusement, and her smile dropped with a fresh cut of guilt.
Honestly she still wasn’t sure what she would do when she arrived in Gudvangen. Her heart yearned to return with Runar to their beautiful home, but what if the boys had been sick with grief? Could she really leave them again so easily?
What of Gertrud? What would she think when she saw Embla with her old love? And how would Runar feel when he saw her again? He had not seen her in years—Gertrud had made certain of it—but would seeing her again rekindle their love?
They were questions that disturbed Embla and kept her awake more nights than she cared to admit. Being in Runar’s arms, alone and in the wilderness, she could forget the reality of everyday life, her responsibilities, her duty... But when she returned to Gudvangen, could she ignore them then? Probably not, and she would not leave them to believe she had died out in the forest all alone; that was too cruel.
Besides, she needed to learn the truth herself—about Runar and Gertrud, and his banishment from the gates of Gudvangen.
If he was not permitted to cross its threshold, would he leave her to enter alone?
What did it matter if he did? Gudvangen was her home...
Wasn’t it?
Of course it still was!
