The sound of Freydis clicking her tongue at Gunnar roused Bjorn. His eyes fluttered open.
“Where am I?” he asked quietly.
“Here,” Freydis said, going to him with a cup. “Drink this.”
Bjorn tried to sit up, but fell back down onto the bunk. He took the cup and lifted his head to drink, downing the fluid in one gulp.
“Thor’s breath woman, what was that?” he asked after the liquid made him cough.
“That will help you heal and hopefully keep you on your back where you belong for at least the next day and night.”
“Did you see who did this to you, Bjorn?” Gunnar asked.
He brushed his hand over his belly as his brow knit.
“I found you,” Saga said, coming forward.
“I remember leaving my hut to relieve myself,” he said. “Where did you find me?”
“But a few paces from Freydis’ hut.”
“That’s a fair way to go for privacy, Bjorn,” Gunnar said. “I never took you for modest.”
“I am not,” he said with a grin and sobered when Saga frowned at him. “Einar was tied to a post behind my hut and I remember hearing raised voices up the path so I went to see what was going on.”
“You wanted to see if there was a row you could join in on,” Freydis said. “I’ve stitched you up more times than I can count.”
“Ja, you have, and I am grateful for it.”
“What happened then?” Saga asked.
“I came through the trees and into the clearing and saw two men arguing. It was dark last night, and I couldn’t make out who it was, so I called out to them. When I got closer I felt something pinch my guts a few times and they ran off. I remember feeling something sticky on my hands and I woke up here.”
“Do you have any idea who it was, Bjorn?” Gunnar asked.
“No. I didn’t recognize the voices at all and after I called out to them they didn’t speak again.”
Saga reached out and took Bjorn’s hand. “You were unconscious when I found you. I had to get some men and Freydis to help me carry you here.”
“Do you remember anything they said?” Gunnar asked. “Anything that might help me confirm who they are.”
“I—nay, Gunnar. I heard their voices raised, but do not know what they were arguing about, except—”
“What? Do you remember something?”
“One of the voices was higher. Ja, one of the voices was female. I have no doubt about it. It was a woman and a man arguing.”
Saga sat back. It didn’t make sense. Why would they stab Bjorn if he simply happened upon an argument?
“Do you think the man, or the woman stabbed you?” Giric asked, stepping forward.
Saga looked up just as his gaze fell to her hand holding Bjorn’s. He looked at her for a second and back to Bjorn.
“I could not tell. Most of the women here are as tall as the men. But maybe the person who stabbed me was shorter than me? Maybe?”
“Give it some time,” Freydis said. “You need your rest and so I want you and you and you out,” she said pointing to them each in turn.
Saga leaned down and kissed Bjorn on the forehead. “Get well,” she said and squeezed his hand before releasing it and moving away.
