*Erik*
“It’s you,” Hvitserk says as he hammers what appears to be a sword.
“It is,” I tell him quietly. “I couldn’t tell you. If people knew, Ellie would have paid the price for my misdeeds.”
“I wouldn’t have told anyone,” he tells me, still not looking up at me.
“I know, but Ellie…” I say with a sigh. “Does it help to know that I didn’t tell her, either?”
He pauses, but still doesn’t look up. He hammers again. “You didn’t tell her because you were afraid she would leave. I wouldn’t have told her either if I were you.”
“She didn’t, though,” I tell him. “I don’t know why. She should have.”
“She loves you,” he tells me and I nod, knowing he’s right.
“I am sorry, friend,” I tell him. “You have been one of the best friends I have had. I am sorry that I kept this from you.
