Chapter 35
SKALD DREKKI
He’d hoped that finding Erann alive would have been enough.
Had been elated that Erann, one of the Others, could see him, despite what he’d been told.
But once the woman had rescued him from his prison under the snow and ice, it swiftly became clear Erann’s terrible injuries were far beyond what he’d anticipated.
Neither could he help directly. He’d have to bring one of his Others here – someone skilled in herb lore and with the ability to lie convincingly.
He didn’t understand why Erann could see him while the woman could not, but it meant he couldn’t transport Erann to rún-ketill where the Others could nurse him back to health.
It would be far too difficult to try to explain to the woman.
Despite what Emma had told him, the presence of his kind here needed to remain a secret.
He knew what had to happen. He needed Emma to go to Erann.
Erann’s injuries weren’t life-threatening at the moment, and he felt comfortable leaving him for a short amount of time.
It was the extreme cold and lack of food that worried Skaldi.
He sought out Erann’s mind with his and felt a jolt of recognition.
He conveyed that help would soon be on its way.
With a sharp snap of his wings, he took to the air, aware Erann’s pain would increase without him there, but conscious he was the only one who could truly help him.
Skaldi used the journey to the mountain to think about the task ahead. He needed to get Emma here. He was unsure how to accomplish it. Could he convince her to leave her haven? What would she need to bring, if she agreed? What could she say to Erann and the girl to explain her presence?
He arrived home as the dark violet of night spread across his land.
How many days had passed since the sun had first appeared over the horizon at the end of the pitch darkness?
He was unsure but as he slowed his momentum preparing to land he felt confident it had been well over eight short days now.
And yet, the ground beneath him remained covered in snow.
The thaw should have begun in earnest. The land should have been a myriad of growing greens, muddy browns and rushing streams, or so Naer-Vera had shown him. So why wasn’t it?
Landing with a soft thud on the broad ledge of his home, he sent his request to Emma that she join him. She appeared, her expression unreadable.
‘How may I help you, Skald Drekki?’ Her tone sounded oddly formal after their conversation of only last night. He wondered if she regretted her candour, but hoped she didn’t.
He needed her help.
I rescued the man, but he’s gravely wounded, and I cannot move him further.
The woman is looking after him. However, she is not a natural healer.
I fear… I worry… I’m afraid for him. The thought came out in a rush, in his desperation to convey his needs.
He saw comprehension as his worry rippled his thoughts.
I’ve come to ask if you’ll go with me, with food, supplies and herbs to help nurse Erann back to health.
Emma’s face changed. He couldn’t tell what it meant but could feel a warmth spread through her. Her response, when it came, was therefore unexpected.
‘It’s impossible, I’m afraid. We people of rún-ketill can’t leave here. You should have been taught this.’
But I need your help. Skaldi was shocked. But with a sinking heart he recalled the teachings of Naer-Vera, and knew she wasn’t lying.
He’d assumed Emma would help Erann. But if she couldn’t leave rún-ketill, what could he do to aid Erann?
Thinking frantically, he thought of another request.
Could he bring Erann here? Forget about the woman and the wolf – it was Erann that was important.
Perhaps he could somehow carry Erann in a large basket.
Would there be anything of a suitable size?
Surely, the Others within Naer-Vera had to collect fuel for their fires.
Would they have a large container for the purpose?
Perhaps he could use one of those. Anything to get Erann away from the desolate place.
He turned to ask, but Emma was gone. A moment of dismay rippled through him, until she once more stepped onto the ledge.
With a start, he looked at her. For a moment he wondered if he’d imagined her leaving.
But when he looked closer, he realised she was wrapped in a midnight black fur, and there was a basket full of the food the Others consumed at her feet, and another packed to the brim with supplies including more fur coverings.
What is this? He looked at her quizzically.
She returned his look, not daring as such, but defiant. ‘I’ve never done this before, and I’m sure you haven’t either. I assume if you let me sit on your back, between your wings, or on your neck, but below your horns, if you prefer, I should be comfortable while you fly.’
How, how can you come with me? You said it was impossible.
A complicated change came over her face. He didn’t understand it. He didn’t know the Others well enough. Not yet. ‘I believe it was until you made the request. Now we’ll have to wait and see.’
He appraised her, hope rising. He didn’t fully understand her meaning, but if it meant saving Erann, he needed to try.
He kneeled down, low enough for Emma to scramble up onto his long neck, tucked just above where his wings opened and closed in flight.
He could sense all his flying had made his body stronger.
Surely, it would be possible for him to comfortably carry her weight and all she’d gathered together with him.
He felt her settle on his back. It was as though his brothers were climbing over him, when they were little more than hatchlings. It felt uncomfortable for both of them.
By the time everything was in place, half the night had passed. The stars were sparkling crystalline above their heads. The shadowy planet was chasing towards dawn.
They were in such proximity to each other it was hard to avoid Emma’s thoughts. Try as he might, stray impressions entered his mind. A man he didn’t recognise. A man with dark blond hair and wise green eyes, who exuded exhaustion.
He shook the image away as he sprang from the ledge with a sharp crack of his wings. He needed to concentrate on what he was doing. He’d never had a passenger on his back before.
Vaguely, he was aware of a long, seemingly endless noise that only grew as he gained his flying height. As he levelled out, he understood the source of the noise. It was Emma screaming in fright, or joy. Her thoughts were too incoherent for him to decide.