Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)(21)

“I’ll bring proof, like I promised.” Anders patted me on my shoulder, the gesture awkward.

“Please tell my father that I love him.”

“Of course.” He went to take off the medallion, but Vidar stopped him. “Keep it on,” he said. “We can’t afford to have anything happen to you.”

“But Kaia—”

“Will be safe with me.” Vidar spoke with authority, as if used to getting his way.

Anders nodded and left without saying goodbye. I watched him navigate between the trees until he disappeared.

“We have a lot to discuss.” Vidar placed his hand on my lower back and guided me up the bank and into the forest, away from the lake. We stopped before a tree that had a tall opening in its trunk. “Follow me.” He grinned as he stepped inside and vanished from sight.

“Vidar?” He didn’t respond. Not keen on being left alone in the forest, I ducked my head and went in after him, unable to see anything inside the dark tree trunk. Something grabbed my waist, and I screamed.

Vidar laughed. “Jumpy little thing, aren’t you?”

I whacked him. “You scared me.”

“You’re a Kriger. You have nothing to be afraid of.”

“Speaking of which, I have questions.”

“I’m sure you do,” he said. “For now, up.”

He took my hands and guided them to a rope ladder. I clutched onto a rung and started climbing, thankful beyond belief I had pants on. The ladder finally ended at a wooden platform, and I hoisted myself on top of it.

The sight astounded me. Three separate bridges were attached to the platform. Each led to a different tree. Those trees had additional bridges connecting to more trees. Built around each trunk were small, wooden structures complete with windows and chimneys.

Vidar joined me. “Welcome,” he said. “I’ll show you to the main house where you can rest and have something to eat.”

I followed him along one of the bridges as it swayed from our weight. Clutching onto the rope railing, I judiciously made my way across. A bird flew below me—we had to be at least five stories in the air. “This is amazing,” I said, the wind caressing my face. “How long have you lived here?”

“A while. It took years to acquire all the necessary supplies and build these structures.”

Vidar appeared to be about twenty years old. Since it took years to build, perhaps his father was the one who built this place. “Who else lives here?”

“Just Anders and me.”

We reached the end of the bridge and stepped onto another platform. Vidar opened the door to the house and ushered me inside. It was a cozy sitting room complete with couches, tables, and books. Off to the side, a door led into another room. Through there I spotted an oven, cabinets, and a table. This was nicer than any apartment I’d ever seen.

“Who built this?” I asked, fascinated by the luxury of this house hidden among the treetops.

“I did. Please make yourself comfortable. Once your belly is full, we’ll talk.”

Plopping on the couch, my body practically melted against the supple cushions. Vidar went into the kitchen whistling a tune I’d never heard before. He returned a few minutes later, handing me a plate piled high with bread and cheese.

He sat on the floor before the fire, resting his elbows on his legs.

I finished eating and said, “Why am I the only female Kriger?”

Vidar chuckled. “You are rather direct, aren’t you?” He stood, then sat next to me on the couch. “In all my years, I’ve never met a female Kriger.” He tapped his hand on his leg. “Of course, I’ve never known all twelve Krigers at once either. As soon as we got close to finding them all, one died and another was born. Then we had to wait eighteen years to discover the new Kriger.”

“How do you know so much about us?”

He smiled, his piercing blue eyes drawing me in. “Well … that’s a complicated question and it’s getting rather late.” He went over to the shelves, pulling down a black, leather-bound book. “This has a complete history of the Krigers. Can you read?” Vidar handed me the heavy book.

I nodded. My father had taught me years ago. We used to stay up late at night reading books and discussing politics. One of my favorite stories was about a far-off land where a young peasant girl discovered she was the true heir to a kingdom and fell in love with the evil king’s son.

“Come,” Vidar said, interrupting my thoughts. “I’ll show you to an extra bedchamber. You can read the book in there.”

Following him out of the house, he led me across another swaying bridge to a small wooden structure attached to a different tree trunk. Sturdy branches surrounded the house. He opened the door and ushered me inside. There was a bed, dresser, and a chair situated between two large windows.

“Is this for me?” I’d never had a room of my own before.

“Yes.” His eyes roamed over my body, making me flush. “Do you have any other clothes?”

“No.” I carefully laid the book on the bed and removed my jacket, placing it on the chair.

“Some of my old shirts are in the dresser. You can wear one of them for tonight. Tomorrow we’ll go to the nearby village. I’ll purchase some appropriate clothing for you.”