CHAPTER TWENTY
Weary and sated from the large meal, Thora didn't protest when Ari urged her from the table.
"We'll return to our shelter. All is ready for tomorrow."
By the time they made their way back toward the edge of town, the crowd had thinned, though many people still milled about, fighting, drinking and celebrating.
Word had passed that the council would convene at first light and Ari had arranged for his cause to be among the first to be heard.
Thora suspected that with so many witnesses to stand beside him, the kings and jarls would easily decide in his favor.
Ari continued to hold her hand, the contact reminding her that as long as he was beside her, she would always be safe.
They passed through the market, where several of the vendors still hawked their wares.
Thora's gaze landed on a woman bargaining with a fur trader.
She stopped short, the long blond hair more than familiar.
Two small children stood beside her as she haggled with the man, a dark-haired little girl clutching a small woven doll and a slightly bigger boy, with hair as fair as his mother's.
Thora's heart seemed to stop for a moment before resuming a frantic racing beat.
"Ari, we must go another way," she said, her gaze still settled on the woman's back. As long as she didn't turn, there was a chance Thora could avoid being noticed.
"Why?"
"That is my stepmother. And my brother and sister."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded. "This way, please."
She backed away, her stare still focused on Geira, Gunnar and Elin. She couldn't be seen, not now. Not when Ari was so close to achieving his goal, and his public claim on her.
"Thora! Look, Mama, it's Thora!"
Gunnar's voice rang out over the noise of the market. Before Thora could decide which way to flee, the boy ran over and threw his arms around her legs, hugging her tight. Ari's grip loosened and slipped away. She met his gaze, calmed by the reassuring smile he offered.
"We missed you Thora. Why did you go away?"
A moment later, Elin joined her brother in welcoming Thora, her gleeful laughter bringing the sting of tears.
She hugged them back, realizing just how much she had missed her younger brother and sister.
She squeezed her eyes shut, not releasing them until the threat of sobs had been brought under control.
When she straightened, her stepmother stood a few steps away.
"It is you! I'd heard talk of a woman with wolves here in Tingwalla, and I'd hoped..."
Thora found herself encased in another hug. When Geira stepped back, her smile soon faded.
"Your father is sick with worry. He's sent several parties in search of you."
Thora winced at the scolding tone in Geira's voice. "I... had to leave. I couldn't let Father marry me to someone I didn't know."
Geira's stern expression softened. "I understand. But running away was not the answer."
Finally, she turned and focused on Ari. Thora twisted her hands together, trying to stop their shaking while she waited for Geira's reaction.
"Who are you?" the blonde woman asked.
"My name is Ari. Thora has been traveling with me."
Several moments of silence ensued, followed by Geira looking between the two. Her eyes settled and narrowed on Ari.
"What have you done to her?" She took a step toward Ari, her fist raised.
Thora grabbed her stepmother's arm. "Geira, I am with him willingly."
Geira's deep blue eyes widened. "Your father..."
Thora heaved a sigh. "It's a long tale, Geira. Ari saved my life. I... owe him."
Geira shook her head. "What has he done to you? If he's harmed you, there'll be nothing left for your father to kill."
Thora held back her laugh at the surprised rise of Ari's eyebrows. "He hasn't harmed me. He kept me safe. And when Kata was wounded, he helped to heal her."
Geira's lips pressed together and suspicion glowed in her eyes. "You must come with me at once. Your father will want to know you are safe. Well, mostly."
Thora shook her head. "I am staying with Ari." She leaned in close to her stepmother's ear. "I love him. And he loves me. And after tomorrow, when he's cleared his name –"
"He's an outlaw?"
Thora glanced around, hoping no one had heard Geira's outraged cry. Thankfully, none paid them the slightest mind.
"Not anymore," said Ari. "And after tomorrow, I will have justice against the one who falsely accused me."
Thora grabbed Geira's hands. "Please don't tell Father you saw me. Not yet. Tomorrow, when you all hear the truth, you will be glad Ari found me when he did."
Geira hesitated, looking between them both. Thora reached out for Ari's hand, the familiar warmth and safety settling over her when he took it.
"Very well. But I cannot promise the children won't reveal your presence here."
"I won't tell, Mama," Gunnar vowed.
"I'm sure you won't. Elin, however, will not understand." Geira shrugged. "I cannot promise you anything."
"Father will be angry when he learns you saw me. Will you be all right?"
"I'm sure he will find some way to punish me," Geira said with a sigh. A flash of pink tinted her cheeks. "Do not worry. I will do my best not to betray you."
Thora hugged her stepmother. "Thank you."
"Where are the wolves?"
"I sent them into the forest. They created too much of a ruckus."
Geira nodded then stepped up close to Ari. "If you don't protect her, her father will be the least of your troubles."
"You have my word she will be safe when she's with me. Always."
"I'll have to be satisfied with that for now." She faced Thora once more. "As soon as your business is finished, I expect you to find us and explain everything to your father. We are in one of the public longhouses. Promise me."
"I promise."
"Come along, children. We have much to do and it's almost time for you to go to sleep."
Geira strode back to the merchant and collected her wares, then guided her children away. Before she disappeared into the crowd, she turned and gave Thora one last look.
When her family had vanished from view, Thora allowed Ari to hold her close, needing to lean on his strength. Her legs trembled so much, she feared she might fall to the ground in a heap.
"Come, we must return to our camp now."
She nodded, still stunned by the confrontation with Geira. Her thoughts tumbled chaotically over each other, but one gained supremacy over the rest.
Her father would find her. Surely he would know Geira hid something of import. He would force his wife to tell him what secret she kept.
"Ari, he's going to find us."
He shook his head, his arm about her shoulder holding her close. "Even if he learns of your presence here in Tingwalla, by then it will already be too late. We will stand before the council and he cannot stop us."
Despite the assurance, Thora's worries maintained their persistent grasp. She remained silent, praying to Odin to keep her father unknowing. A few moments later, recollection poked and her dread multiplied, over and over.
"The sacrifice! We don't have anything to offer. We were supposed to give thanks and we didn't and now look what's happened!"
"Take ease, ástin minn. You are mine. As I am yours. I will never let anyone take you away."
How she wanted to believe, to trust his vow. His words flooded her with warmth, but her father had many men. Ari, even with his companions, would be vastly outnumbered. Her greatest fear seemed to be coming to pass.
***
Ari wished he knew of a way to soothe the trembling in Thora's body.
No matter what words he offered, none would console her.
Her panic remained tangible, seeping from her as if she bled.
When they reached their camp, she let out a cry of joy to see the wolves had heeded her orders and returned to the shelter.
He released her hand and she hurried to her pets, kneeling before them and hugging them both.
Ari smiled at the giggles her animals drew with their licks and cuddles.
"How did you get close enough with those two standing guard?" Karsi's question drew Ari from the distraction of watching her.
"The female had been wounded by outlaws who attacked Thora. Kati killed one, and I dispatched the other."
"Earned their trust right off, eh?"
Ari shrugged. "I suppose so. And I helped Thora treat the injured wolf. They knew I meant no harm."
Karsi slapped him on the shoulder. "The gods appear to favor you these days."
"Let's hope their goodwill holds out through tomorrow."
The amusement faded from Karsi's grizzled face. "It will. There are enough of us to bear witness to his crimes, none will doubt you didn't poison Drengr or arrange for his murder."
Ari hesitated several moments, glancing around at the other men camped with them. They laughed and drank, ignoring Ari. He motioned to Leif, then drew both men a few paces from their shelter.
"Thora was seen by her stepmother tonight. She fears her father will learn she is here and find her before we go before the council. If I must... keep watch over her if I cannot."
He didn't voice his own worry that Thora's father would indeed find them and take her away. Ari refused to consider the possibility, even though the idea refused to be completely extinguished.
"You have my word," Karsi vowed.
"Mine, too," Leif agreed.
The three grasped hands to seal their oath and Ari turned back to Thora. With her pets beside her, she seemed much calmer and he took his place beside her on the fur pallet.
"Soon, this will all be over." He covered her hands, twisting in her lap.
She met his stare evenly. "Do you truly plan to wed me?"
Did she still doubt him? The twinge on hurt at her question was easily brushed aside when he read the uncertainty in her eyes.
"Of course. Perhaps as soon as the council has cleared me and named Hersir's sentence."