‘And what do you suggest?’ She swung the door open, not even certain if he would follow. Caragh reached for a knife, preparing to clean the fish.
‘I saw a boat anchored off the shore last night,’ he said. ‘We’ll use it to catch enough fish to store over the next few months. And then we’ll take the boat when we search for my wife and kinsmen.’
We? her skin went cold at the thought. She wasn’t about to go with this man on a boat. He would take her as his hostage, sailing far away from here.
‘I’m not going with you.’
‘Oh, yes, you are.’ His voice turned commanding, and he stood above her, using his physical presence to intimidate her. ‘I’m going to exchange your life for my wife and companions.’
She stared back at him. ‘Not if you’re my prisoner.’
His face tightened, and his dark eyes flared. ‘I freed myself already, søtnos. And I can find a way out of these chains. With your help—’ he leaned in, his warm breath against her cheek ‘—or without it.’
Styr broke his fast with the meagre portion of baked fish that Caragh had shared with him. The other half of the fish lay upon the board where she’d cleaned it. As he’d ordered, she’d kept the scraps.
Though she didn’t want to go out on the boat with him, he knew she would. He’d whetted her appetite with the small fish, and she’d surprised him when she’d cooked a delicious meal, seasoning the fish with herbs and salt. Yet, neither of them was satisfied by the small amount of food, and he pressed her further.
‘Miles off the coast, you’ll find the larger fish,’ he promised. ‘We’ll get more bait and then catch enough that you won’t be able to eat any more.’
She stared down at her empty plate, her mood melancholy. He’d thought she would be eager to go out, but instead, she appeared to dread it.
‘We will return by nightfall,’ he swore. ‘I give you my word.’
She still wasn’t answering, and he moved to sit across from her. Waiting for her to speak. To say something.
But just like Elena, she was closing off her thoughts. She didn’t want to go, and she didn’t trust him at all. He couldn’t fault her for that, but already he’d spent two nights here. The fierce need to find his wife and kinsmen went beyond longing. He had to save them and bring them back.
‘Bring the fish and all of your family’s fishing supplies,’ he ordered. ‘We’ll go out now.’
She stood, taking a moment to wash the wooden platter they’d shared for the fish. Then she went by the fire and he saw how the damp gown hung against her knees.
‘I’m afraid,’ she admitted. ‘It’s been months since I went on a boat.’
He sensed there was more to it, but he didn’t press her. ‘Change your gown, and bring a warm wrap,’ he ordered. ‘I’ll stand outside and wait for you.’
Caragh lifted her dark blue eyes to his, nodding. ‘I will go. But only because I believe you can help me get the fish I need. And because the others need your help, as well.’ She reached out to touch his arm, and the coolness of her fingers sent a shock of sensation through him. ‘If we do catch fish, then I will go with you to help find your wife.’
‘First, remove my chains,’ he ordered quietly. ‘You gave your promise.’
Her violet eyes met his, uncertainty lining her face. ‘Not yet,’ she whispered. ‘Perhaps tonight.’
His rage magnified, that she would not keep the vow. ‘You said you would free me, if we caught fish. And so we did.’
She gripped her arms, her gaze lowering to the ground. ‘Only one.’
He moved in so close, she was trapped against the back of the wall. Her hands moved up to press him back, but he didn’t move. ‘You try my patience, woman.’
‘I’m not your woman.’
‘No, you’re not,’ he agreed. But her hands moved over the chainmail hauberk, and though it was only her effort to break free, a sudden vision flashed into his mind…of her hands continuing to move lower.
Damn her for conjuring such images.
‘Your brother took Elena. And he will suffer for it.’
She took a breath, her expression turning serious. ‘Promise me, you won’t kill Brendan. He’s just a boy.’
Styr stepped back, releasing her. ‘If she is unharmed, then I might let him go. But if she has endured any pain at his hands, I will make no such vow.’ When he reached the door, he turned back. ‘Nor will I spare him, if you don’t remove these chains.’
He stepped outside, not waiting for her answer. The day was a clouded grey, and rain was likely. Still, he would not delay any longer. If he could have left now, he would have. He hated being at the mercy of someone else, locked up in chains that prevented him from going after Elena.
And worse, having no supplies to take along. Without his ship, he had none of his wealth, nothing save the clothes on his back and the battleaxe that had been taken from him.
After several minutes, the door opened. He turned and saw Caragh approaching with two baskets in each hand. She wore a gown dyed a rich blue. Though it was a simple long-sleeved garment, the colour contrasted against her dark hair, bringing out the violet-blue of her eyes.
An uneasiness slipped over him, for she appeared beautiful. Styr gave her a nod, revealing nothing of the wayward thoughts inside him.
‘That gown is too fine for fishing,’ he said. ‘You should choose another.’
She shrugged. ‘It’s the only other gown I have.’ A hint of sadness passed over her face as she added, ‘I should have given it to my brothers to be sold.’
Without explaining herself, she led him further down the beach until he saw the small boat anchored a short distance out. The mainsail was tied up, but the vessel appeared to be intact.
‘If you don’t free me from the manacles, you’ll have to do all the work,’ he pointed out. ‘I won’t be able to help you.’
She sent him a sidelong glance as if she hadn’t thought of that. But in the end, she shook her head. ‘I’ll manage.’
Styr stepped into the water and turned his back to her. ‘Climb on my back, and you won’t have to get wet again.’
A look of startled surprise crossed her face. ‘That’s kind of you.’
She ducked beneath his chained arms, wrapping her arms around his neck with her legs around his waist as he walked from the shore to the boat. Though it was awkward with his chained manacles, he was aware of how light her body was. She was too thin.
He would take her out to find more fish today, no matter how long it took. No woman should ever face starvation, and he was determined to see her enjoy a true meal this night.
Styr climbed back to the stern, taking command
