Page 21 of Merciful Salvation

“I have a duty to my mistress.” Amelia jutted her chin.

“Stay out of my way. Challenge me again and I’ll punish you.” He shoved her to the ground and then grabbed a fistful of Kara’s hair. She struggled to free herself, only to be dragged to land, then into the forest next to her horses. The blanket and food Amelia had laid out was untouched. He pointed at the coverlet. “Sit.”

Kara obeyed. Fear filled her mind and heart. “Who are you?”

His dark eyes sparkled like a wildfire. “Erling Solheim, an avenging god, I assure you.”

“Devils aren’t gods.”

He slapped her face. “You’ll learn quickly enough that I have no patience for a sharp tongue. Do as I tell you or you’ll be bruised from head to toe before sunset. Understand?”

Kara nodded in comprehension.

“Where are your clothes?”

She pointed; her sword and shield were on the ground nearby. By Odin, she wished she had her sword in her hands.

“Lying to me about your clothing? You need discipline already. Your gown, where is it?”

“I dressed as a boy for my protection.” She sucked her cheeks in.

He gave her a smug smile. “I believe you. You’re Erik the Bald’s daughter.”

Kara gasped. “How—”

“The trees have eyes and ears.”

“And atrocious manners . . .”

“I’ve watched you train with your brothers in the forest for many months—I admire your perseverance.”

Her face heated as her gaze rested on Amelia’s pale, concerned face. “You attacked us? Injured my brother and killed one of my father’s guards.”

“I cannot take credit for that.” Erling waved at his fellow riders. “My men are solely responsible.”

Shame flooded her body. How could she and her brothers have been so absent-minded to let these bastards get that close? Even Marteinn had missed them. “Why? What did you hope to gain?”

“Access toyou.”

“Are you going to rape me?”

Despite the dire circumstances, Erling smiled. “I think you already know the answer to that question.”

True, if the man wanted to violate her, he would have done so. “I don’t understand. Are you familiar with my father?”

“I know who he is,” he answered. “But this has nothing to do with your family, Kara. Sometimes a man needs a diversion. When I happened upon you in the woods, the seed was planted. I decided to take you. I’ll teach you to be ruthless—a real warrior.”

“What authority do you have? Are you a soldier?” She felt wretched standing naked and shivering in front of this animal.

“I’m a self-made man,” he said. “Discharged from the king’s service for insubordination and any other misconduct you can name. Instead of crawling back to my father’s home, I chose to establish my own steading. The forest is mine.”

She still feared for her life. Nothing made sense. “So you steal and kill for your living?”

“I do whatever I must to survive.”

A man without limitations.Kara cringed at the thought of spending time with him. Her heart beat so fast she felt dizzy. “You’re a criminal.”

“I’m a loyalist—against anyone who threatens the survival of my country and family. Now...” He shoved her. “Get dressed.”