The Barbarian’s Tribute (Not-So-Savage Barbarians #1)

Eighteen

I could tell Rath wanted me to forgive Godr. They were brothers. He tried not to sway my judgment, but his face got tight whenever we walked past him. So, despite the hurt that still tugged in my chest, I made eye contact with Godr while we were eating by the fighter’s fire, allowing him to come close to speak with me.

Rath stiffened beside me at Godr’s approach, but I put my hand on his to stall him, nodding once to show him it was okay. He flipped his hand, holding mine gently, and stayed silent, though his body language said a lot. He was ready to defend me and hurt Godr if he made me cry again. I vowed to do my best to avoid that, if only to keep Rath’s hands clean.

“I, uh… Can I sit?” Godr asked, pointing to a spot on the ground in front of me. There were logs used for seating around the fire, but I sat on the end. He’d have to lean around Rath to speak with me, or sit on the ground. He chose the latter when I nodded. Crossing his legs, he settled in front of me, then seemed like he was at a loss for words. He scrubbed at the back of his neck, opening and closing his mouth like he wanted to speak, but kept changing his mind.