I kicked my legs in the air as the long-haired warrior carried me back the way I’d come.
He’d caught me easily, letting me weave through the trees and brush. When I finally realized he was tiring me out, and dropped to my belly under a thorny bush, he reached down and plucked me from my hiding place before I knew what was happening.
These warriors moved with greater stealth and skill than I’d ever seen. They were stronger, so much stronger than me. I was a fool if I thought I could fight them. But I’d rather die a fool than submit.
Firelight winked through the trees, a dark shape moving between us and the small flames. The bearded warrior had built it while the other had fetched me from my failed escape. I dug my fingers in the leather jerkin, tears pricking my eyes at how helpless I wa
