Page 69 of Merciful Salvation

“But a woman can challenge a man.”

He spread his hands angrily. “Go to your room,now.”

“Milord . . .”

“Storr.” Tyr focused on one of his warriors. “If my kinswomandoesn’t obey me, carry her upstairs.”

“Milord.” Storr stepped forward.

“Last chance,” Tyr said.

She frowned, hating him for what he represented. Paternal authority—intimidation—utter control. Turning to the stairs, she called over her shoulder as she walked, “Allfather will aid me.”

Aaron woke with a powerful pain behind his eyes. Darkness surrounded him. When he tried to move his hands and feet, he couldn’t. For a second, he wanted to scream out. But then he remembered where he was. Erling Solheim had tricked him—lured him into the woods. Now his hands and feet were tied to four stakes in the ground. He writhed, testing the strength of his bonds. When he moved, the ropes tightened.

“I suggest you stay perfectly still or you’ll cut off your circulation.” Erling stared down at him.

“Free one arm and I’ll kill you.”

Erling chuckled. “I do appreciate a man who’s fearless. But do try to think of this in a positive way, Jarl McNally. There are many advantages to laying on your back.” He stressed his point by booting Aaron in the ribs. “You can see everything going on around you.”

Aaron held his breath, sucking in the pain.

“You killed my cousin,” Erling continued. “It’s difficult to find trustworthy servants. Although I don’t value too many men, you’ll suffer the consequences.” He whistled and six men approached. “Bring the barrels.”

Aaron lifted his head off the hard ground and tried to watch. But they left his line of vision, only to return minutes later carrying large, wood casks. Again, Aaron tried to free himself by jerking his hands and feet. The twine bit into his skin. His eyes grew wide as the drums were placed next to him.

“Three of these barrels contain water,” Erling started. “And three contain pitch.”

Aaron stared nervously at the fire a few yards away.

“I will randomly choose one, then my captain will open it—”

“Du må betale med livet ditt.”

“Pay withmylife?” Erling snorted. “You’re excessively arrogant.”

Erling pointed at the fifth keg. A man shoved a metal wedge along the side of the lid, prying it open. Another upended it, pouring cold liquid all over Aaron. He shut his eyes tight.Water, goddamnit, its only water.His eyes popped open. Then he exhaled, silently praising the gods for their mercy. Although he didn’t know why they’d let him fall prey to such wicked men.

“Again.” Erling picked another barrel.

More water.

“That one,” Erling said, choosing again.

Fate favored Aaron today, water.

Aaron coughed violently, soaked from head to foot. It took every ounce of control he had to keep his mouth clamped shut as the torrent of water spilled over him. Fuck Erling—he’d snap his neck the minute he was freed. Then he tried to unleash his hands.

His torturers hooted.

“Shall we save the other barrels until morning?” Erling asked. He faced his men. “I believe our guest is tired. And venison and ale awaits us.”

Left alone, Aaron stared above, the moon and stars reminded him of his wife. He’d willingly breathe his last if he could catch one last glimpse of her beautiful face before he died.

Kara didn’t go to her bedchamber. Instead, she withdrew further into the shadows, listening to everything discussed below. Search parties were quickly organized and dispersed. Waiting until the great hall fell eerily silent, she crept downstairs and slipped out the back doors. Horses were waiting in front of the stable. Almost too many to count. She took cover behind a nearby storage shed and waited. Minutes later, a group of soldiers exited the stable and mounted, riding off.

At least a dozen horses were left unattended.