These thoughts urged her on whenever she began to despair. It made the hardships bearable, knowing that he would be there for her at the end of her journey. How he must have worried over her and scoured the countryside in search of her. He must have given up hope by now. It would make their reunion that much sweeter.
When she at last came to lands that she knew, her relief and joy gave her added strength. If Willow were not in the same poor condition as she was, she would have raced the remaining distance. As it was, it took her another two hours till she finally topped the last hill, at the bottom of which sat Garrick’s house. Such a welcome sight, one she thought never to see again.
Erin was in the stable when she opened the door and dragged Willow inside. The look he gave her was not merely one of surprise, but disbelief.
“You have come back from the dead,” he said fearfully, his old face pale.
Brenna found the strength to laugh feebly. “Nay, I did not die, though many is the time I wanted to.”
He shook his head, staring at her with something akin to pity. “You should not have run away, lass.”
“What?”
“Nor, having done so, should you have returned.”
She smiled at his misconception. “I did not run away, Erin. I was taken away by two Vikings from across the fjord.”
He wanted to believe her, but all evidence said she lied. Yet he would not be the one to accuse her.
“You look wasted away, lass. I will prepare food for you.”
“Nay, I will eat at the house. Is Garrick home?” When he nodded uncertainly, she went on. “You know, I called from across the fjord, but no one heard me. I could not stay there, though, for I had killed one of the men who took me away, a chieftain’s son, I believe he was.” She looked dazed, trying to remember it all.
“Do you know what you are saying, Brenna?”
She did not seem to hear him. “I lost count of the days I traveled round the fjord. How long have I been gone, Erin?”
“Nearly six weeks.”
“That long?”
“Brenna—”
“Care for Willow, Erin. She has endured as much as I and needs a gentle hand. I must see Garrick now. I can wait no longer.”
“Brenna, lass, do not go to the house.”
She saw his concern and it puzzled her. “Why should I not?”
“You will not be welcome there.”
“Do not be absurd, Erin.” Then she frowned. “Does Garrick also think I ran away?”
“Yea.”
“Then more is the reason I should see him quickly. He must know the truth.”
“Brenna, please—”
“’Twill be all right, Erin,” she cut him off and started for the door.
“Then I will come with you.”
The house was warm from the blazing cooking fires. Tantalizing aromas filled the air, making Brenna weak with hunger. In all her weeks away, she had not had a single filling meal, always having to ration because she never knew when she would find more food.
Janie was the first to see her and immediately stopped what she was doing. Her eyes filled slowly with fear, but Brenna smiled and hugged her old friend. They said not a word, though, for Brenna was conserving her strength and Janie was too frightened to speak. Brenna went on into the hall, leaving Erin to explain.
Garrick was bent over the fire in the hall, jabbing at the burning wood as if he were attacking an unknown enemy. Brenna took a moment to look her fill at him before she moved closer and stood behind him. He turned quickly when he sensed her presence, and they stared at each other for a long while. She saw the surprise in his eyes, then the anger, but she could contain herself no longer and she threw herself against him, clinging to him with what little strength she had left.
