I refused to cringe at the one voice I didn’t want to hear. Turning, I painted on a polite smile for the dark-haired man approaching me. “Erik, good morning.”
He smiled, seemingly oblivious to my forced friendliness, and stopped nearly on my toes. He stood a head or two taller than me, but I wasn’t easily intimidated. How I’d acted toward his father several weeks ago was quite clear on that matter. “Good morning. Where are you off?”
I didn’t want to tell him, but most of my attempts to be rid of him in a gentle way hadn’t worked so far. “To find some herbs. We’re low, with me learning so much from my mother.”
Erik nodded. “I’m sure you’re learning a lot. Must be hard balancing so much around the house while also learning magic and herbal remedies.”
I nodded, but refused to admit how difficult it was. Growing up and watching my mother do all kinds of things with her magic, I thought it was easy to do, and couldn’t wait to come into my power. Now I was seeing just how wrong I’d been.
Not that I minded—the challenge was fun, and I really wanted to control magic, especially healing. I’d be so much more useful to my family if I could.
An awkward silence spanned between Erik and me.
“Do you… want any help with your search?” Erik finally said, though his words were neither smooth nor confident.
I shook my head. “No, I’ve got it. I know the exact spots I need to get to and how much to pick. It’s a quick and simple task for one person.”
“Are you sure?” he pressed. “It wouldn’t be any trouble for me.”
I sighed out loud. It seemed I was going to have to be more blunt. “No, I don’t want your help, Erik. Nor am I interested in your proposal.”
Erik gave a weak smile and an uncomfortable laugh. “I’m sorry, did you say ‘no’?”
I adjusted my basket. “Maybe you have some wool in your ears. That’s all right, I’ll speak a little louder. My father has refused you twice. I am not interested in marrying you, and will not tell him to change his mind.”
“Astrid, please hear me out,” Erik said, trying to stay calm by the way his face twitched. “I know what my father did was horrible—and he paid for that, even if it wasn’t his fault he was possessed.”
“This has nothing to do with your father.” Really, it didn’t. I didn’t hold Erik accountable for his father’s actions. “I’m just not interested.”
Erik scowled. “Why not?”
“She doesn’t have to provide you with an explanation,” a new, deep, and familiar voice said.
I turned toward the road in the direction I had been heading; a small gasp escaped me. A muscular, scarred, nicely dressed man approached us. He was tall—taller than any other man I’d met, and where I only came up to about the middle of his chest. His well-kept, long dark chestnut hair contrasted with his tan skin, and grew past his shoulders. His striking blue eyes captured my attention. “Týr.”
Why was he here? I still couldn’t understand why he’d shown up several weeks ago when I prayed. When I woke the next morning after my magic-drained sleep, I’d actually wondered if I’d dreamt it all.
“I believe I heard her tell you to leave,” Týr said to Erik. “It would be wise to listen to her.”
Erik scowled, and for a moment I thought he’d argue with the god or try to request I change my mind, but instead he spun on his heels and stomped away. Hopefully that will be the last time I have to deal with that.
If my father refused his third offer, he was required to move on, though I wasn’t convinced he’d let go immediately.
“Are you all right?” Týr asked. His voice rumbled deep in my chest. It was nice, nicer than any other man I’d heard speak.
I blinked, banishing the strange thoughts from my mind. “Um, yes, thank you. What brings you here? Overseeing a battle, or just passing through?”
Was that too casual? I didn’t exactly know the proper way to speak to a god. Did any mortal? Maybe mother. She’d had the pleasure of being in their presence in the past.
“Neither, actually.” He smiled. “I wanted to make sure you and your family were doing all right after that ordeal.”
My head tilted as I tried to process. Was he concerned about us? Or was this part of his duties since he oversaw judgement? “We’re fine. Well, better than fine. We always had good standing here in Runavík, as well as with the jarl, but it’s even better now.”
“That’s good to hear.” He smiled. It was a pleasant smile that broke up the stoic look he had, making him seem gentle and kind, even with the scars. It also sent a warm tingle down my spine.
He then reached for my basket. “Let me help you with that.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he took the container and tucked it under his arm.
