Sorrel
A rough hand shook me awake in darkness. For a moment I was back in the abbey, getting roused first by my friends, then by an angry nun with a switch.
“Sorrel, time to rise,” Vik rasped.
“No. Too early.” I tried to cover my head with a pelt, and he pulled it away.
“You must wake,” he said with a laugh. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”
I raised my head and glared at the darkness beyond the entrance of our tree lodge.
“Rise now, or after a spanking. Your choice.”
With a huff, I sat up.
“Good lass,” Vik grinned.
“Where is Thorsteinn?”
“Gone to hunt. Come.” He tugged me to standing and led me to the far side of the fire pit where a pot of water steamed.
“First a wash.” He tugged my jerkin up and I caught his forearms.
“You used to let me bathe myself.” They even gave me p
