The Children of Fenrir: Eir

Chapter 14

“You wouldn’t mind helping me drag him on in, then?” Dagny asked.

“Of course,” I took one side of the sledge and pulled along with her.

“You don’t balk at the blood.” She said.

“I suppose it comes with the territory,” I replied, “I’ve dealt with my fair share of it.”

We pulled the sledge in silence, the village was not far off when Asmund returned with the Alpha leading her and Sage down the path. Her stride was long and full of purpose. I squared my shoulders at the sight of them.

“ Let’s keep him out of town. I don’t want to stir the clan up any more than necessary. There’s a small hut off the path here. We’ll keep him under guard there until he’s ready to talk.”

We followed her silently. Sage and Asmund lifted the end of the sledge as we went off the path. The hut was not far off, and the weak whimpers of the man were all that could be heard in the silent woods. He had boasted of his bravery but the other man had been right to hush him. There was no bravery to be found in his eyes now.

“Silence.” Our Alpha growled at him as we placed him inside the hut and she knelt to look the man in the eyes, “Tonight you will be brought food and water. My healer will bring you something to stave off infection. In the morning, you will tell me why your people have been watching my village and what you have learned.”

She stood, and left the hut and we followed her out.

“Eir, those look good for a field dress. However, I don’t want to risk infection getting him before I get the information I need from him. Please see to that.”

“Yes, Alpha.” I nodded.

“Dagny, Asmund told us about your quick management of those two. You honor yourself.”

“Thank you, Alpha. Asmund and I have been putting in extra hours training.”

“It shows. Sage, Asmund, stand guard. I will send others to replace you as quickly as I can. Dagny, fetch our prisoner some supper. Sylvi should have something for you.” She dismissed us and strode back into the village.

 I ran to fetch some supplies from Frode’s stores. I burst into the house much to the surprise of Frode and Alva, who were just sitting down to supper.

“Who has caught your tail, eh?” Frode asked.

“There was Ulfhednar in the woods, Dagny wounded one and the Alpha has asked me to ensure he does not fall to infection.” I tossed the rabbit on to the table and began rattling through the bottles in the cabinets, looking for the herbs I needed for my decoction.

“Ulfhednar?” He asked, “In our woods?”

“Yes, Dagny sliced clean through his hamstrings. I’ve stopped the bleeding and stitched it, but I’d like to cleanse it and bandage it a bit better. I only had a few things in my bag. A poultice would be good. I don’t think she has any intention of keeping him alive longer than it takes to question him. I’ll explain more later.”

Alva stood and put the water on to boil. I tossed some clean bandages and cloths in my bag and started putting herbs into the mortar and pestle. Frode passed me enough water to moisten it and I began mashing it into a thick paste. He put dried herbs into the boiling water and fetched a few jars. After the water had been boiling for several minutes I strained it into one jar and put the poultice in another. I thanked them and was quickly on my way.