Chapter Seven

The next morning, Ulfhild stood on the slight hill just outside the village and watched the village come to life. She'd been up for hours, already having completed a warm up and bow practice in the empty training grounds. She always did more than any other warrior. She had to.

Now she stood on high ground, watching for any threat. Another hour of sentry duty and she could return to the training fields to spar with the other warriors. Ulfhild told herself she was simply doing her duty. As one of the junior warriors, boring duties such as watching over the village as the farmers and people started their day, were something she was accustomed to. In truth, her eyes locked on and followed only the stranger as he stood near the kitchens with Eric and Birger. They laughed together, and Ulfhild's mouth turned down in a frown at their easy companionship.

"You're watching him again, min søte." Ulfhild's eyes did not turn to acknowledge her mother's presence.

"I don't know who you mean," Ulf