The wagon that held Nev slowed and stopped. Darkness had fallen hours ago, and the temperature had dropped. Perversely, Nev was glad for the rug on top of him. He would likely be even colder and more miserable without it. He had been given water a second time during the journey so far, and he wondered if this was just another brief travel break.
Muffled voices held a conversation. Nev heard Kustaa’s name spoken and a phrase about a camp. After a bit, the rug was flung back. He was hauled to the back edge of the wagon, and the man with a fondness for a knife held it against Nev’s throat again.
“The master will be pleased to see you’re in one piece…for the moment.” The man heaved Nev’s body over his shoulder.
Nev caught a few glimpses of the area around him. This had to be a section of Th
