The reason for her abduction could also be the solution. Excited, she spoke with haste. “I have something you want, my skills; you have something I want, my freedom. I will trade you one for the other. As soon as I heal your people, you will return me home. It is a fair and reasonable bargain.”
“You must heal my people,” he said as if confirming his acquiescence.
She nodded and repeated, “Then you will take me home.”
He gave a quick nod and moved closer.
His imposing size and the fierce wolf head made her wish that she could fade into the corner behind her, but then that would be retreating, and she could almost hear her sister scolding her for cowering. Fiona’s rebuke would be clear: show the enemy a weakness and you give him a weapon.
“Then we have a bargain,” she said with bravado.
A glint surfaced in his eyes and for a moment, Aliss expected him to smile, but he did not. “How do you know you can trust me?”
“I can ask the same of you.”
His icy stare froze her.
“Do not think to play games with my peoples’ lives.”
The mere suggestion that she would use her healing skills to do harm turned her fiery hot and melted away her fear. “How dare you even suggest that!”
He nearly plastered his nose to hers. “I dare anything when it comes to the protection of my people.”
“Like kidnapping a helpless healer.”
He glared at her. “You are far from helpless.”
His compliment startled her.
“You will heal my people,” he said sternly and stood.
“You will return me home.” Her words were meant to seal their bargain and she could only pray that he was a warrior true to his word.
Chapter 3
The ship made land just as the sun descended into the horizon. Several men jumped out when they got close to shore, and with thick ropes cast to them, they pulled the vessel onto dry land.
Aliss stood, about to wrap a fur cloak around her to ward off the fine mist beginning to fall, when she was abruptly scooped up into Rogan’s arms.
He walked to the side of the ship and it took a mere second for her to realize that he intended to jump off with her in his arms.
“You cannot mean to—”
He arched a brow and stepped forward.
She flung her arms around his neck and recited a silent prayer.
He leaped off and landed on his feet without staggering. After walking a few feet, he put her down and yelled something to one of his men in a language she did not understand. His hand caught a fur cloak that was thrown to him and he wrapped it around her.
“It is a short walk to the village.”
“Good, then I can see to the ill as soon as we arrive.”
“You will eat first.”
“Afterward.”
“Before. You have eaten nothing all day.”
“Neither have you,” she reminded him.
“Then we will eat together.”
He walked off, leaving her startled. She had not expected that response. She had assumed he would want her to tend to the ill immediately. She had hoped to, for the sooner she healed the ailing the sooner she would be going home.
She was already missing her sister and she could only imagine how Fiona was feeling. There had never been a time when Fiona and she had been separated. They had always depended on each other, had always been there for each other. Now she had only herself to rely on.
Aliss kept pace with Rogan and his men, walking just a short distance behind him. The shoreline faded into rocky terrain that soon turned hilly with a smattering of woods that grew denser as they headed north.
The land appeared harsh and unforgiving, more barren than fertile, and she wondered how Rogan and his people survived here. A sudden thought jolted her and she almost stumbled but righted herself quick enough. Could the Wolf have another reason for abducting her?
The Isle of Non.
Her brother Raynor had laid claim to it but then so had Tarr—and so had Rogan, though unsuccessfully. The isle would certainly provide a better home for the Wolf clan than this place. Was there more to her abduction than healing the ill? She would make certain to uncover the truth and be prepared for whatever befell her.
The village sat at the base of a hill. The dwellings, not a full dozen, looked more like huts than cottages. They were well maintained, however, with the roofs freshly thatched and sodded. Large open spaces divided each plot of farmland, the soil recently tilled and probably seeded.
The people themselves appeared cautious and curious, mumbling among themselves as she passed by. Did they know who she was? Had Rogan informed them of his intention to return with a healer?
The men had drifted off upon entering the village and she was left alone with Rogan. He had not glanced over his shoulder to see if she trailed him. Why should he? There was no fear of her escaping. She was here until he chose to return her and that depended on her fulfilling her part of the bargain.