‘But it is cold,’ he argued, wishing he could drag Embla inside and never let her go.
‘They have a brazier. I will be fine... Speak with Gertrud first, and then I will come and talk with you.’
She had not said she would leave with him, and that worried him. But the affection in her eyes eased some of his concerns.
‘Be honest with each other,’ Embla said firmly before walking away.
‘Will you come in?’ he offered her entry, but Gertrud looked pale, and she glanced behind her nervously, pulling her cloak tighter.
‘I would rather stay out here,’ she said, and he was irritated by her lack of trust in him until she added, ‘It would look better for both myself and Embla.’
He supposed she was right. His campfire was ash, as he had been preparing for bed, and had let it burn out. He stirred up the ash with a twig and ignited some kindling. Grabbing two furs from inside, he laid them on the ground either side of the fire.
Gertrud delicately sat down, looking as comfortable as a hog about to be slaughtered. ‘Do you know that Embla is my half-sister?’ she asked.
‘I do.’
‘Then you must know that she is precious to me.’
He didn’t reply. Embla had not thought it, so why would he agree with her? An uncomfortable silence settled between them, and as the kindling was burning merrily, he placed a log on top.
‘I know I have not shown it before...but she is.’
Runar looked up and answered with a little more respect. ‘So, youaregoing to be honest.’
Gertrud swallowed, but gave a little nod. ‘Yes...and I don’t want her to go with you—’
‘That is not for you to decide!’ he snapped, poking the fire bad-temperedly.
‘Why her?’ Gertrud leaned forward her face sharp in the firelight. ‘Is it because she is my sister? Is that it? Do you want what you were refused before?’
‘No,’ he said, glaring at her. ‘Embla is nothing like you.’
Gertrud sat back as if carefully assessing him. ‘That is true. She deserves better. She should be surrounded by her friends and family, not held captive in the woods, without the protection and company of others.’
He gave her a hard look. ‘That is for her to decide.’
‘No, it is foryouto decide. Will you allow her to visit?’
‘I am not welcome here.’
‘What if you were? Would you allow her to visit?’
‘If she wishes...’ he answered slowly. It suddenly felt as if he were stalking his prey...or she were hunting him. He could not be certain who had the greatest power at this moment; all he knew was that he needed to tread carefully.
‘And my boys...would they be welcome in your home?’
He stared at Gertrud. ‘If they wished to come, yes. Areyoucomfortable with that?’
‘They should spend time with their aunt and uncle...and their cousins...if you have children.’
‘Then...you give us your blessing?’
He had not expected that. He had thought Gertrud would want to forget him. She had left him, hoping never to see him again, and had even denied her feelings in front of him.Thatwas when his love for her had truly died, he now realised. This powerful woman was not the one he had fallen in love with all those years ago...perhaps that woman had only ever existed in his mind.
Gertrud gave him a hard look. ‘As long as you swear not to isolate her completely from us, then yes. Although, as you say, it is not my decision to make.’ Rising from her seat, she added, ‘I am sorry for what I did... I hurt you and I ruined your relationship with Thorin for many years. I do not expect you to forgive me, but be good to Embla, I beg you.’
Runar nodded. ‘There is nothing to forgive. We were both too young to have any sense... But I do love Embla. She means everything to me, and without her my life is empty.’
