The Viking's Captive(41)

“I would like to take you, but with Raven sick, Odin only knows what he’s eaten, I need you to watch the sheep in the pasture.”

She understood but was disappointed. She’d been to the town once before with Halvor and enjoyed the hustle and bustle and the wide array of produce to trade. There was so much to see, her head had spun with excitement. He’d bought her a new set of spoons, made of horns, which were smooth and perfect for the broths she liked to make.

“I’m going to get leather,” he said, nodding at his feet. “I am hoping you’ll make me some new boots.” His were becoming worn and frayed.

“Of course, Master. I can make anything you need out of leather. Another tunic perhaps, and I’ll line it with fox fur for the winter.”

He nodded. “We should both have one. While the sun shines in the summer it’s easy to forget how cold it will become here. I will buy as much leather as I can afford.” He smiled. “We will be the best dressed master and slave for miles around.”

“We will.” She watched him mount Ivan. “I could make you a saddle too.”

“A saddle.” He squinted down at her. “You can do that?”

“Yes.”

He smiled. “I really did get lucky when I stole you away that day, so many skills that are of use to me and a pretty face too.”

“Master.” Heat bloomed on her cheeks.

He chuckled. “Now carry out your duties, watch over the sheep and Raven, the idiot dog, and I’ll be as quick as I can.”

“There’s no rush,” she paused. “As long as it’s before nightfall.”

“Aye, it will be. I won’t linger, I will get what I need.” He turned Ivan around, his dagger in its sheath resting over his thigh. “Then return home, to you.”

“Be safe,” she called as he dug his heels into Ivan and set off at a canter down the track, which led first to the lake, then to the town.

A strange tug pulled at the center of her chest. She didn’t like seeing him ride away from her. They were always together, so it seemed strange for him to be gone.

She waited until he’d disappeared from view, then turned to the homestead. There was much to be done, but they were doing well with winter preparations. Halvor had caught lots of fish, which she’d smoked, and now that Misty had the mouse population under control their stored food was safer.

Raven was lying in the shade. He’d vomited twice and it was clear he’d found some rotten old meat to eat and upset his system. It wasn’t the first time he’d done such a thing since Duna had been living with Halvor.

Duna replaced the water in his bowl and set it near him, hoping he’d at least have a drink. She gave him a stroke. “You have a day off,” she said softly. “I’ll watch the sheep.”

He sighed and closed his eyes. She heard his stomach gurgle.

“Silly dog.” She stood then glanced at the flock of sheep. They were in the fenced pasture close to the barn, so it was easy to keep a watch over them.

After having a long drink of water, she picked up her hoe and wandered to the vegetable patch. The land was fertile, which was good, but equally that meant weeds were a constant battle.

She worked for an hour, tending the soil around the parsnips and carrots she’d planted, which were currently small shoots, then went to check on the sheep.

Glad of a rest, she leaned on the fence and watched them. The hens found her and clucked around her feet, hoping she’d throw them a few grains but she had nothing. “Later, girls,” she said. “Later.”

The view was so pretty she lingered. The grass was lush and fed animals well. It was also dotted with flowers. A few times she’d collected them and put them in a cask on the table, so she could enjoy their scent in the longhouse. It was better than the smell of the lamp Halvor burned on occasion.

Today the sky was a perfect blue and cloudless. Two big birds soared high above, circling as they slowly edged west.

She decided to check on Raven again.

He was still sleeping, though he’d drunk half of his water, which she took as a good sign. After refilling it, she went into the house. Her own stomach was rumbling.

She ate cottage cheese and bread, washed down with a little ale. The fire took some time to attend to and she set a chunk of mutton on to spit roast. Halvor would be hungry upon his return. A meat dinner would suit him.

Once again wandering into the sunshine, she smiled as she thought of the leather he’d bring back. She’d make him a new pair of boots. They’d be the best he’d ever had and he’d be so proud of her.

She enjoyed pleasing him, though she never thought she would. If it had been said to her on the night he’d stolen her away from her home, she would have scoffed. But now… he was important to her, and he made her feel as if she were important to him.

Not only that he seemed to need her, for he wouldn’t have time to tend the vegetables and the fields, watch the fire all day, cook, and care for the animals. They worked as a team to provide for themselves.

She resumed her work, weeding this time around the potatoes. They’d sourced them at the market, and rather than eating them all, they’d planted half. Now they were sprouting and Duna was looking forward to cooking with them.

“Hey, Misty,” she said with a laugh. “What have you got?”