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In the early evening, just as dusk was beginning to set in, Emmel heard footsteps outside the stables. The fine hairs on the back of his neck rose, and his throat tightened. He sensed danger before it appeared. There was the red-bearded Varrik and a few of his companions who had been threatening him, but usually they kept their distance during the day. It seemed as though they did not need the courage of alcohol to fuel their mood at this moment.

“What dae ye want?” Emmel asked, clutching the broom tightly.

“Just wanted to ask you a few questions. It was a brave thing you did today, standing up to Rune Dolph like that. Brave…or foolish,” Varrik said. His comments brought forth a ripple of laughter from his companions.

“I was nae about tae let him get away with talking tae a boy like that,” Emmel said.

“The boy is Rune Dolph’s son. He can do whatever he likes,” Varrik said. “But it does seem as though you have been spending a lot of time with the woman. Rune Dolph wanted me to come and ask you where you know her from.”

“I dinnae know her. I hae nae seen her before I arrived here,” Emmel said. His gaze darted between the Vikings as they spread out around the stables and converged on him. He twisted the broom around in his hands, wielding it like a javelin. Varrik laughed.

“Do you think that’s going to be enough to keep us from you? We can make this easy for you—just tell her where you know her from. We only want the truth.”

“I told ye I dinnae know!” Emmel shouted, and with those words, he sealed his fate. Varrik wagged his finger, which was the prompt for the Vikings to attack. They came forward as one. Emmel swung the broom around in an arc, which delayed them for a moment. He then spun and thrust the broom into one of the Vikings, knocking the man back. Emmel twisted the broom around in his hands and went to strike another Viking, this time hitting the man in the face. The Viking went down, clutching his nose as blood dripped down. Emmel was in the midst of readjusting himself when another Viking caught the end of the broom and tried to tug it away. Emmel strained, but he had been weakened from the beatings and from his hunger. He managed to hold on to the broom, but Varrik strode up. Emmel had to choose between holding on to the broom and lifting his hands to defend himself.

He chose the latter.

The broom clattered to the ground as Varrik punched Emmel. Emmel managed to lift his arms in time to block the blow, but he didn’t manage to avoid the other one that came crashing into his gut. Breath was forced from his lungs, and stars danced around his eyes as he doubled over. Varrik clasped both hands together and brought his fists down on Emmel’s back, sending him sprawling. Emmel quickly pushed himself to his feet and tackled Varrik, wrapping his arms around Varrik’s waist. Varrik roared as he was pulled off his feet. Emmel started to pound him, his fists moving so swiftly they were just a blur before he was pulled away by the remaining Viking. Now that Emmel had begun to fight back, it seemed to give license for these Vikings to attack without holding anything back. His entire body was pummeled. The warm, metallic taste of blood filled his mouth and swam over his tongue. He tried to resist, but there were just too many of them.

He was left forlorn, gasping for breath. Varrik lifted his head. Emmel’s eyes were glazed, and he had never felt this helpless before.

“I know you know her,” he said. “I think perhaps I should take her somewhere nice and quiet and ask her a few questions myself. I doubt she’ll be able to take as much of a beating as you can, but half the fun is going to be in finding out how much she can take. And what’s more, it’ll be our little secret. Maybe I’ll tell Rune Dolph that you’re responsible,” Varrik said with a bitter laugh. He kicked the broom away as he left Emmel sprawled on the ground, his blood staining the stable floor.

Emmel groaned. On his weak, faltering breath, he swore his revenge. He had to get to Isla soon; otherwise, this would all be for nothing. Despite everything she said to him, he couldn’t allow her to stay here, and he certainly wasn’t going to allow her to be at the mercy of Varrik.