I nodded
“Stay close to us. We have called some of the pack to help us transport the meat. It would not do for you to cross paths with them.”
Miserably, I agreed.
While the warriors prepped their kill, I wandered through the trees, gathering sticks. Vik and Thorsteinn discussed cooking the meat here. Perhaps they’d build a giant bonfire and celebrate their hunt. Call their warrior brothers to drink and eat. Would they first have to tie me to a tree, like a disobedient dog? I would not be welcome by the pack’s fire.
I was not welcome anywhere. Wandering out of the warriors’ sight, I let my armful of kindling drop. My head ached. So did my body, with old, remembered punishments. It would be good to lie down and pretend.
I’d wandered into a patch of mist. Cold and thick, it reminded me o
