Page 34 of Hungry Like a Wolf
“Safe with a big brute of a Viking who has dragged me away from my lands?” She gave a dismissive grunt. “I doubt it.”
“I am big and strong. I can protect you.” He paused. “You had to leave, Carmel. You could not stay in Tillicoulty. Your presenceput all of those people in danger.” He gestured to the beach as the boat began to move out to sea.
“You could have let me go home.”
“Youaregoing home, to your new home… Your new home with me.”
Chapter Nine
Carmel sat besidethe central mast huddled in her cloak. She closed her eyes and prayed for deliverance from the awful quandary in which she’d found herself. It seemed she was just lurching from one to another right now.
The Vikings rowed at a steady pace, the constant clunk and splash a rhythm that moved the boat. As they rowed, they sang in a language she didn’t understand.
With her eyes closed, she imagined her castle at this time of year. The tiny, blue flowers would be blooming, and the chicken coop full of fluffy, yellow chicks. Out in the field, hares would gamble, leaping into the air and standing up on their back legs to box one another.
Spring was usually her favorite time of year, a season when God truly showed His creative side.
“Here.”
She didn’t look up at the sound of Ravn’s voice.
“You need to drink.”
“I’m not thirsty.”
“Doesn’t matter. If you get dry, you’ll feel sicker.”
“I don’t feel sick.”
“Good, now drink.” He thrust a mug at her. Several drips sloshed onto her tunic.
With a frown, she brushed the drips away and took the drink. She had a sip. Ale.
“More.”
She took several gulps then wiped the back of her hand over her mouth. “Happy now?”
“Ja.” He set the mug aside. “Come over here.”
“No.”
“I want to show you something.”
“There is nothing to see except water.” She pulled her knees up and hooked her arms around them, staring at her boots.
“There is. The sea is alive.”
She pursed her lips. With every second that passed, she was traveling farther from home, farther from her mother, brother, and the memory of her father.
“You can sulk like an annoying little girl or you can make the most of your situation,” he said, cupping her chin and forcing her to look up at him. “Which is it to be?” His blue eyes flashed as he stared at her.
“A situation that is not of my choosing.” She held his eye contact.
“Which is all part of life’s rich path.” He paused. “Wouldn’t your god want you to be gracious about the path you find yourself upon?”
“What do you know of my God?”
“Very little.” He reached for her hands, taking them in his big, warm ones, and pulled her to standing. “But I’m sure he’d want you to see this.”
