“What else is new—fuuuuck,” he hissed as she broke the arrow’s shaft and pulled out the two ends.
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re not,” he said breathily.
“Ah, there he is.” She lifted his shirt to get a better view of his injury. Her fingers prodded his wound and he flinched.
“Ow!”
“This looks the same as mine did. Lucky for you, Laeknir gave me a salve in case it happened again.” She opened a small compartment in her scabbard and pulled out a thin tin.
“That’s handy.”
She didn’t answer him as she opened the lid and scooped out a glob of translucent cream. She rubbed it on the front and back of the wound as he winced. He thought she was at least trying to be gentle, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
“Does my pain amuse you?” he asked.
“A little.” She finished applying the salve and ripped the bottom of his shirt, tying it around his stomach to cover the injury. “That’ll have to do for now.”
“I would’ve preferred you ripped your shirt,” he said, smirking at her.
“Yes, covering a wound with a cloth full of the sacrificial blood of mortals, how sanitary,” she said dryly.
“Worth it.”
“Alright, asshole, let’s get you up.” She slung his arm around her shoulders and helped him to his feet.
They headed in the direction of the still-burning camp. Sounds of battle were dying down, and only the occasional clash of steel could be heard. The Vanir were likely having much more success now that the Blood Stone was destroyed. Solveig steered him left, away from the stables.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“To drop your heavy ass on Laeknir,” she said like it should have been obvious.
“The stables!”
“You’re useless to me right now. Laeknir needs to take a look at you.”
“I’m already feeling better.” He tried to stand without her support, but his head was dizzy and his body betrayed him.
“Oh yes, you’re in tip-top shape.”
“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm,” he grumbled.
“Then don’t say stupid things.”
“Wanting to check after Njord is not stupid.”
Solveig dumped him on the ground unexpectedly.
“If the roles were reversed, would you want me to run off injured into a fiery death trap with who knows what waiting to attack? I’m worried for Helle, but I’m taking your ass to Laeknir first. So you can shut the Hel up and let me help you, or I will leave you here and you can make it on your own.” She stood over him with her hands braced on her weapons. He only paused for a moment.
“Fine. Help me up.” Once they got moving again, he muttered under his breath, “I like it better when you’re the one injured.”
“Gee, thanks.”
BOOM.
The ground shook under them, causing them to stumble.
