The next time I woke, Erik was bending over me, bowl in hand. I sat up and he held it for me as I drank the rich broth. When my mouth moistened enough to be able to speak, I thanked him.
“It is good. When did you make it?”
“We’ve been here a day and night.”
“I slept that long?” The clearing was empty but for Erik and a low fire. The wolf and Arne were gone.
“Aye, and you’re looking better. How do you feel?” He stroked the hair back from my face.
I stretched out my arms as a test. “I’m well.” The stiffness in my body was banished by my long rest. “Hungry.”
“Finish the broth then,” he said, looking pleased. “Once that’s settled we’ll give ye some honey cakes.”
Under Erik’s careful watch, I ate slowly but steadily. The large tattooed warrior kept playing nursemaid, building up the fi
