Page 25 of Merciful Salvation
“I willneverlie to you.”
She looked around frantically, searching for an escape. Where would she go? There were no distinguishing landmarks, only an endless sea of trees.
He must have sensed her fear. “Submit yourself to me without question and you’ll remain unharmed. I reward obedience. And if you think anyone will take liberties with you, rest assured, my men are forbidden to touch you. Understand?”
She found little consolation in those words.
“There’s a stream beyond the last cabin where you can bathe.” He pointed. “Food and water. Clean clothes and a fire to keep you warm at night. You may walk freely amongst us, but if you try to escape, I’ll find you. What happens afterward won’t be pleasant.”
She’d already been a victim of his abuse—he didn’t need to keep reminding her what he was capable of. “For a brief moment, I thought you were going to act civilized.”
Erling leaned in and whispered, “There’s no justice in the forest—no kindness—no real law.”
“Where’s Amelia?”
“Safe and working with the women.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. Amelia’s safe-keeping depended on her willingness to cooperate. Suddenly, the thought of being married to Marteinn seemed palatable. He’d never hurt her. She missed her father and brothers and home. She’d been free for less than a week and look where she’d ended up. All her father’s blustering had proven to be correct. Men were truly beasts at heart.
“Join me. You need food to keep up your strength. We’ve a long day ahead of us.” He gripped her elbow and steered her toward the bonfire.
Kara stared heavenward. Where was the man she truly wanted?
Please, Odin. Send Aaron McNally to rescue me.
Kara gazed above. How long had it been since she studied the stars? Weeks? Seated between Erling and another man, this hadbecome a daily ritual. Her place at the fire never changed. She often imagined ways to escape. Only, there was nowhere to go in this endless maze of trees. Erling had the perfect hideout. Wild animals lurked nearby. She heard wolves howling every night. And Erling’s guards followed her everywhere, although at a distance.
She shared a small cabin with Amelia now—the only comfort she had. After going to bed each night, she dreamed of her family. She missed her sire’s weatherworn face, Gunter’s ceaseless laughter, and Geilir and Marteinn’s teasing. By now, she hoped her father was out searching for her, but with each passing day, her faith wavered. She couldn’t imagine how furious her sire must have been when he’d returned home and found her gone. What she’d give to find out—to feel the sting of a switch on her backside for disobeying him.
Erik the Bald wouldn’t disown his only daughter. He’d exhaust every resource to recover her, maybe even petition the king. Offer a reward. Her captor hadn’t revealed his plans. What he did share terrified her. He intended to keep her and repeatedly described what he’d do if she left. She’d witnessed Erling’s barbarism first-hand. Just yesterday, he slit a man’s throat for taking an extra cup of wine without permission.
Trying to clear that gruesome memory from her head, she turned to Erling. “I wish to speak with my father.”
He answered without hesitation. “As you wish, we’ll ride to Lagenheim tomorrow.”
Sarcastic bastard.Within a few weeks, this man had successfully groomed her into a submissive fool. She gaped at him, disgusted.
“Did you hear her?” he addressed his men. They laughed. “In good conscience, I cannot deny a lady’s request. Tomorrow, if Kara can defeat me in battle, I’ll grant hereverydesire.”
She rolled her eyes. “Why tease me? I’ve done everything you’ve asked.”
“I expect nothing less from you,” he said overly polite. “And out ofcourtesy, I offer you a fair way home.”
“Fair? The only thing you intend to do is provide entertainment for your pack of rabid dogs.” Emotions collided inside her; she wanted to shatter into a thousand pieces.
“I cannot deny it.”
What a manipulative, cunning beast. If she needed something, wanted anything, he made her earn it with sweat and blood. The only legitimate authority in this forest was Erling Solheim. “I despise you.”
“Then I’ve won. Imagine how exciting it will be once I bed you.” He gestured rudely with his hands, shoving his finger through the O he made with his other.
Kara knew what he was mimicking. She gripped her cup so tightly her knuckles turned white. She didn’t have the stomach to stay here and discuss it any further. “I’m overly tired.”
“If you get up, I’ll take you here.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Is that a challenge?” He licked his bottom lip.
