Page 75 of Tears of the Wolf
The woman from before joined them. Her hair had been gathered and tied back with gold rings at her temples and a narrow gold torque around her neck. Hróarr must be doing well for her to be so well dressed.
Vana stepped up beside Hróarr even as she smiled at Cenric. “Cenric. So good to see you.”
Cenric smiled and kissed the back of her hand. “Welcome, lady.”
Vana!Snapper yipped with happiness, licking her hand furiously as she reached down to pet him.
“Good lad,” Vana chuckled before turning back to Cenric. “I hear you have taken a wife.” Vana glanced around the beach. “A sorceress?”
“Word travels quickly.” Cenric was a little impressed Vana had already heard, but she had that particular talent. She alwaysseemed to know things before anyone else did, at times she seemed omniscient.
Hróarr made a sympathetic sound. “A sorceress? My brother, do you hate yourself?”
Cenric shook his head once, not smiling. “She’s a good woman and a fine wife thus far.”
Hróarr seemed to catch Cenric’s meaning—Brynn was here to stay. “I see. Well, I wish you much happiness and many sons. But not too many, lest you spend your old age breaking up their fights.”
Cenric allowed his smile to return at that. “Gods have mercy.”
The three of them made their way to the beach while Hróarr’s men unloaded the ship. They had brought their own tents and gear, along with what appeared to be chests of gifts, though Cenric pretended not to notice.
The people of the village had mostly gone back to their work, but some stopped to stare at the newcomers. Hróarr had come several times over the past two years, but he still caused a stir whenever he docked in their river. A few of Cenric’s thanes helped with unloading, the villagers letting their curiosity get the best of them and drawing closer.
They walked toward the longhouse. Hróarr and his people usually pitched their tents in the field between the longhouse and the village.
“Why do you stink of fish?” Hróarr sniffed in Cenric’s direction. “Gah! I think you got it on me.”
“Salting fish for winter.” Cenric shook his head.
“Ah, you’ve become domestic. I always forget.” Hróarr heaved a sigh. “Well, so long as you’re—”
“Cenric!” Brynn blocked the path ahead, her hands at her sides, elbows slightly bent, and fingers flexed. She had called his name, but her eyes were on Hróarr. She held a wide stance, not unlike one he used for fighting.
“Brynn.” Cenric stepped ahead of his guests. He cleared his throat, switching back to Hyldish. “This is Hróarr and his lady, Vana.”
Brynn glanced to him briefly before looking back to the others. “Your friends?” Her voice was uncertain as she looked them over. She noticed Vana’s jewelry and her expression changed, but Cenric couldn’t interpret it.
“My cousin. I mentioned him to you.”
“Yes.” Brynn’s arms relaxed, though a new kind of tension took her over. She no longer seemed a warrior bracing for a fight, but a beaten dog bracing for a blow. “I see.” She forced a smile. “Welcome to Ombra. I take it you are here for Blydmoth?”
“What else?” Hróarr grunted, his Hyldish coming reluctantly. “I was just telling this one that you always need some Valdari steel when there’s killing to be done.”
Brynn visibly flinched at that before recovering herself. She cleared her throat, raising her chin. “Well, I am sure my husband will appreciate the help.”
“No need to fear us, lady,” Hróarr chuckled. “We Valdari are not as awful as the stories claim.”
Cenric shook his head again, but it was too late.
Brynn’s face turned blank, a shield slamming into a defensive formation. She spoke to Cenric. “I will have additional food prepared. Was it thirty-six?”
“Thirty-seven,” Hróarr corrected.
Brynn did not look at him as she inclined her head and turned. She made her way ahead of them back to the longhouse. The girl Esa had been hiding behind one of the houses but ran after her as she did, carrying Brynn’s puppy.
Cenric grimaced. Perhaps he should have warned Hróarr sooner.
“Not a very welcoming sort, is she?” Hróarr grunted, sliding back into Valdari. “You’ll have to teach her manners.”
