4
Sorrel
We headed home, Thorsteinn pulling me by the leash, Vik taking up the rear. When we reached the great tree, they set me right in the basket. Only when I was in the tree lodge did Thorsteinn unleash me. I waited for him to remove the silver ring from around my neck, but he left it, saying, “I want you wearing something of us.”
“But—”
Thorsteinn bent and kissed me. “You did well.” He rubbed his stubbled face against mine. “I know that was not easy.”
I let out a shaky sigh.
Vik rose from building the fire, dusting his hands. He went to the rope ladder and disappeared.
“He goes to collect our portion of the boar meat. The warriors we called took it away.”
“Will it always be like this?” I touched the ring around my neck, but he knew what I meant.
“For a time. But the pack will
