“You’re fucking crazy.”
“Maybe.”
Eidunn raises a long knife, holding it up so I see it. A chill runs through me as I get a flashback from the time she attacked me. The woman can be truly vicious when she wants. She packs it into the bag.
“I’m bringing this.”
“Good move.”
“So, if Thyra helps, what do I say I am doing in the woods?”
“Forage? Pick some mushrooms or something.”
“Your tactical mind truly is brilliant,” says Eidunn, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I ignore her insult, peeking out the door. The coast is clear.
“Listen now,” I say, “just walk upward, toward the waterfall. It’s right under it and a little west, toward the lower valley.”
“Perfect directions.”
“Ylvin’s camp is right under the waterfalls.”
“And Elof’s…” she says.
“That man is hard as rock, but decent. He will protect you. No need to fear him.”
Eidunn tosses a cloak around her shoulders. I step forward and tie it for her. She flinches, but relaxes as I help. The warmth of her breath strokes against my knuckles. Her face is fearful. As it should be. Most runaway slaves only meet one end. Death. I pray this will work out.
We stalk carefully toward the tree line.
I enter the forest with her to make sure she’s going in the right direction. I grab her shoulders, forcing her into a hug. A soft sound escapes her as she clutches the back of my robe. As our cheeks stroke each other, her tears wet my skin. I hope this isn’t the last time I touch her. If this goes wrong, her blood will be on my hands.
“Freya guide you,” I whisper.
“She better fucking guide me,” she says, her voice grounded.
Our gaze connects. Her eyes are fiery, like she has accepted that this is her fate. Better to die with honor than live in shame. Eidunn is honorable.
“Kilda,” she whispers.
“What?”
“Thanks.”
The word hits me like a punch to the gut. Her trust scares me more than Vidar does. A sob of my own almost escapes my lips. I can’t believe she accepted my offer. Desperate to escape Vidar. She turns to ascend the mountain. Goosebumps cover my skin as a nearby crow calls out. Only once.
Freya, guide her path. And most of all—let Ylvin still be there.
CHAPTER 73
Now for the hard part. I would rather put my hand in the mouth of a starving wolf than try convincing Thyra to help me.
As Eidunn said. The woman fucking hates me.
Everything is still. The wind has stopped. It’s way too quiet for daytime. I dry my sweaty palm on my robe and raise my hand to knock. But I lower it again. What the fuck am I even going to say?
Oh, hello mortal rival. I was hoping you would help me. I need your brother to stop abusing my friend. Maybe you could buy her from him?
