6
The hut stood on the edge of an empty field, boards blackened as if they’d been in a fire. My steps slowed, but the warriors moved me forward.
“Tis sturdier than it looks.”
I made a face. “I’m not going to sleep in there. You need to find a cleaner place.”
“Ye make many demands for someone who pledged obedience earlier.”
“Perhaps we should pick a switch, just to be ready,” Arne murmured.
“Come, lass. Trust your mates.”
You are not my mates, I almost said aloud, but caught myself in time. Erik guessed my thoughts, judging by the determined look on his face.
As we approached, Gunnr the wolf stepped out of the door and woofed.
“Gunnr says it’ll be better than sleeping under the rain. He spent all afternoon hunting for a nice, fat rabbit for your dinner.”
When I hesitated to step i
