Kritka released a flurry of rapid squirrel chatter, leaving Hekla throwing her hands in exasperation. “It is always the same—he gives me a dozen names that mean nothing to me. Wolf Mother and Pine Tree Hilda and the Forest Maiden—”
“Forest Maiden,” Rey repeated, his mind latching onto the name and trying to glean meaning.
“Does it mean something to you?”
He scowled into the flames, trying to recall the stories Harpa had told him and Kristjan as children. His grandmother’s stories had never been the comforting type to lull one into sleep. Instead, they’d been more likely to give one nightmares.
“She has tree bark skin and antlers on her brow,” he murmured. “And a bristly tail much like a fox’s. But her face is a thing of beauty, and she seduces men…leads them into the woods until they grow hopelessly lost and she can feast on their flesh.”
Kritka chittered, and Hekla translated. “He says only the stupid ones follow.”
Rey choked on a laugh. “I suppose so. But I thought she was onlya story—a tale to keep children away from the woods and men from straying from their wives.”
Hekla shrugged. “A month ago, I’d not have believed it. But I’ve seen too much not to consider that this irritating squirrel and his mistress might be allies. At the very least, they know the forest and might help us find the source of the mist.”
She watched him expectantly, and Rey realized she was waiting for his take. He cleared his throat. “It sounds like a lead worth chasing,” he said slowly. “What do you need from me?”
Hekla’s eyes glinted in the firelight, her lips curving up at the corners. “You know, I think I might have missed you, Axe Eyes.”
He snorted.
“No, truly. It’s exhausting trying to keep all the arselings in line.”
“I hear it wasyouneeding to be put in line.”
“Only because I refused to abide Loftur’s bloody rules.”
“ ’Tis a damned good thing you didn’t.” Rey smiled ruefully. “I think leadership suits you.”
The moment he said it, the words felt right. He’d seen it when she’d taken charge in the village. Was this why he felt out of sorts? Like he no longer quite fit? But a baffled expression crossed Hekla’s face.
“You held the Bloodaxe Crew together. Took charge of the situation in Istré.” He thought of the camaraderie he’d seen between Hekla and Eyvind’s retinue. She’d gained their trust and respect, a hard-won thing for a woman warrior. And he realized with sudden clarity what a natural-born leader Hekla was. Why hadn’t he seen it before?
A twig snapped behind them, and a red-cloaked figure approached. Firelight caught on Eyvind’s sleep-mussed hair, a pair of waterskins held in his hand.
“I filled your waterskins, Lynx.”
“Lynx?” Rey asked, glancing between them. Hekla had grown rigidly still.
“You know, Galtung,” said Eyvind, eyeing Rey. “The BloodaxeCrew’s wagon is among Istré’s ruins. You ought to go find it and have a look.”
Rey’s eyes narrowed. “If you want time alone, then just ask.”
He pushed to his feet, but Hekla beat him to it. She snatched the waterskins from Eyvind, averting her gaze as she said, “I’ll go look. You two stay.”
Eyvind watched her retreat with a look of disappointment before sinking onto the log next to Rey’s. “How long do you think it’ll take her to give me a chance to explain?”
“Hekla is not as hard as she wants the world to see her.” Rey picked up a piece of wood and nestled it into the fire. “And she knows how to hold a grudge.”
Eyvind sighed, then smiled. “Then I suppose I’ll have to be dogged in my pursuit. ’Tis a good thing I enjoy a challenge.” He brightened. “What else did I miss?”
Rey released a long, slow breath. “Only that tomorrow we shall follow a squirrel into the woods and release his mistress from a tree.”
Eyvind’s gaze swung to Rey. “Ah,” he said, without missing a beat. “You met Kritka.”
Chapter 17
Kovograd, Zagadka
