“Styr, we have a fish!” She couldn’t tell how large it was, but joy brimmed up inside her. When at last she pulled the fish from the water, she found that it was not large, only the length from her wrist to her elbow. But it was food.
She laughed, holding the fish and imagining how good it would taste. Thank God.
The Norseman emerged from the water, and she hugged the fish to her, not even caring how foolish it was. For now, she had hope of surviving a few more days. But a moment later, her elation dimmed.
“What is it?” he asked, walking alongside her toward the hut.
“I—I should share this with the others,” she admitted.
He sent her a hard look. “Did they ever share anything with you?”
“It isn’t right to have so much and not offer it to anyone else.” She thought of Iona and some of the other elderly folk who remained.
“We aren’t going to eat all of it,” he told her. “Half, maybe, but we’re using the rest for more bait.”
She stared at him, incredulous. “We lost most of the bait last night. I’m not using this fish, only to lose half of it.”
He waited beside the door, and his expression was unyielding. “I allowed you to try it your way, last night. But it’s clear to me now that you need my guidance.”
His guidance? He spoke as if he were a sea god, able to control the elements. “And what do you suggest?” She swung the door open, not even certain if he would follow. Caragh reached for a knife, preparing to clean the fish.
“I saw a boat anchored off the shore last night,” he said. “We’ll use it to catch enough fish to store over the next few months. And then we’ll take the boat when we search for my wife and kinsmen.”
We? Her skin went cold at the thought. She wasn’t about to go with this man on a boat. He would take her as his hostage, sailing far away from here.
“I’m not going with you.”
“Oh, yes, you are.” His voice turned commanding, and he stood above her, using his physical presence to intimidate her. “I’m going to exchange your life for my wife and companions.”
She stared back at him. “Not if you’re my prisoner.”
His face tightened, and his dark eyes flared. “I freed myself already,søtnos. And I can find a way out of these chains. With your help—” he leaned in, his warm breath against her cheek “—or without it.”
Styr broke his fast with the meager portion of baked fish that Caragh had shared with him. The other half of the fish lay upon the board where she’d cleaned it. As he’d ordered, she’d kept the scraps.
Though she didn’t want to go out on the boat with him, he knew she would. He’d whetted her appetite with the small fish,and she’d surprised him when she’d cooked a delicious meal, seasoning the fish with herbs and salt. Yet, neither of them was satisfied by the small amount of food, and he pressed her further.
“Miles off the coast, you’ll find the larger fish,” he promised. “We’ll get more bait and then catch enough that you won’t be able to eat any more.”
She stared down at her empty plate, her mood melancholy. He’d thought she would be eager to go out, but instead, she appeared to dread it.
“We will return by nightfall,” he swore. “I give you my word.”
She still wasn’t answering, and he moved to sit across from her. Waiting for her to speak. To say something.
But just like Elena, she was closing off her thoughts. She didn’t want to go, and she didn’t trust him at all. He couldn’t fault her for that, but already he’d spent two nights here. The fierce need to find his wife and kinsmen went beyond longing. He had to save them and bring them back.
“Bring the fish and all of your family’s fishing supplies,” he ordered. “We’ll go out now.”
She stood, taking a moment to wash the wooden platter they’d shared for the fish. Then she went by the fire and he saw how the damp gown hung against her knees.
“I’m afraid,” she admitted. “It’s been months since I've gone on a boat.”
He sensed there was more to it, but he didn’t press her. “Change your gown, and bring a warm wrap,” he ordered. “I’ll stand outside and wait for you.”
Caragh lifted her dark blue eyes to his, nodding. “I will go. But only because I believe you can help me get the fish I need. And because the others need your help, as well.” She reached out to touch his arm, and the coolness of her fingers sent a shock ofsensation through him. “If we do catch fish, then I will go with you to help find your wife.”
“First, remove my chains,” he ordered quietly. “You gave your promise.”
