The rattling and bumping ground to a halt. Heat and daylight peeked around the edges of the heavy fabric that had been flung over top of Nev. Judging from the pattern of fabric, Nev surmised it was likely some kind of rug. He guessed that it served to hide that fact he lay immobile in the back of the wagon.
“Give him some water. Master Kustaa wants him alive when we get there,” said a voice.
The fabric was dragged off of Nev, and he squinted in the suddenly harsher light. A hand grabbed the front of his tunic and hauled him into a sitting position.
One of the men in dark clothing glared at him. “I’m going to remove the charm for a few minutes.” He pressed a knife to Nev’s arm. “Delivering you alive doesn’t guarantee you won’t lose some blood if you try anything stupid.” He grabbed the c
