It’s Eidunn’s turn to snort.
“Ihadto learn that. No choice there.”
Ylvin places a hand on Eidunn’s shoulder, smiling with her pointed teeth.
“They called you slave, my child, but now you are free.”
Eidunn nods and smiles as she tosses the cloth on the table and sits to resume eating. Ylvin continues.
“Besides, some slaves are disorganized, clumsy, and messy. Slavery doesn’t promise a clear mind and effective habits.Eidunn is sharp and well-tempered, slave or not. Learn from her, Kilda.”
I can’t stop my brow from furrowing. Ylvin just goes on and on. What kind of mad rant was that? She just wants to avoid my question.
“I will learn from her,” I laugh, unable to contain my amusement at Ylvin’s ploy. “Though I will never match her feminine elegance.” I wink at Eidunn. “But you still haven’t answered my question.”
Elof returns with a bowl full to the brim of elk stew.
“Just answer,” he groans. “So life can go on.”
A false expression of surprise appears on Ylvin’s face. A brilliant actress. Even if obvious and overplayed.
“I think that’s more words than you’ve said all week, Elof,” she says.
Elof pushes a finger against the wood, his shoulders filling half a side of the massive table.
“Kilda is the student. You are the teacher. Answer her question before I go berserk like Ari.”
“Oh, I’m sure you would,” laughs Ylvin, their little argument clearly not one to be taken seriously. “Real charmer, this one… Fine then…”
She places both her palms on the table.
“Maybe, it might just be possible,maybe,one day, you would, if the stars align, be able to shapeshift like I do.”
My heart soars. I throw my hands above my head, unable to contain my excitement. What would I be? A wolf? An eagle? A lynx? I hope it’s an elegant animal. No one wants to be a giant rat.
“Really?”
“Maybe. I was born with it but?—”
“You really mean it?”
“Possibly. If you take your training seriously.”
“Oh, I’ll take it seriously. I won’t stop until?—”
A door slams open. My heart jumps in my chest, still on edge. Elof stands, fists clenched, ready. The rest of us turn in surprise.
“Ari!” I shout with a smile so wide it hurts my face.
“Kilda,” he replies, leaning on the doorframe, still wobbly. “Hello everyone.”
Ylvin shoots up.
“No, no, no! Troll or not, you need to rest at least one more night.”
Ari looks surprised, turning quickly to escape the advancing Volva. He laughs as he speaks. His natural, naked laugh I have grown to love.
“No, but,” he mumbles, “I’m starving.”
