She watches them closely as they meet a few other people at a long table on the other side of the tavern. The Viking laughs lousy at a joke one of the others made, and her blood boils.

‘How can he be so carefree after what he’s done?’ Staring daggers at the Viking, Solvi takes a long drink to finish off her ale and stands up.

“Could I get another ale, the biggest you’ve got?” She asks, approaching the barkeeper.

“You got it, that’ll be two silver pieces,” he says as he places it on the counter in front of her.

She sets the money on the counter and grabs the ale.

Rolling her shoulders back, she marches over to the table where the Viking is sitting. She slams down the ale, the drink sloshing over the rim and landing on his cloak.

“Hey! Watch where you’re putting things,” he says, turning from his friends and glancing down at the flagon.

“Sorry, I just thought I’d treat you to one last drink before I destroy you.” Voice firm and low, she makes her point clear.

“What are you talking about?” He looks up at her and recognizes her right away. “It’s you. You need to leave right now.” He lowers his voice and grabs her right arm.

“You don’t get to tell me what to do.” She yanks her arm out of his grip and stands firm.

“That’s nice, but you’re leaving if you like it or not. If you need to talk to me so badly, we can talk outside.”

“You didn’t hear me. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I was afraid you’d say that. You’re gonna hate me for this.”

“I already hate you—” He bends down and puts one arm behind Solvi’s legs and the other under her arms. Her legs swing out from under her as he walks to the door, shouting over his shoulder.

“Don’t wait for me, boys. I’ll be a little preoccupied for a bit!”

“Nice catch, Lief!” One of them shouts back.

“Put me down!” Solvi growls and squirms to get free.

“I wouldn’t do that. If you make a scene, then people might find out what you are, my Little Elf.”

“Never. Call me that. Again.” All the rage and hatred she has for the Vikings resurface and flashes in her eyes.

“Only if you stop struggling. People are staring, now play along.”

She frowns but stops moving. “Fine. Where are we going then?”

“That’s better. We’re just going outside to talk. There are too many people inside.”

Solvi crosses her arms over her chest and turns her head away. He sets her down once they are outside and out of view of the tavern door.

“Now you can talk as much as you'd like.”

“Oh, thank you for giving me permission to speak now, how kind of you. But I think we both know why I'm here and what I want.”

“Ah yes, you're here to confess your undying love for me, is that right?” He smirks and leans in closer.

“Only in your dreams would I be here for that.”

“You're right. It is my dream.” He gives her a quick wink.

“You are a monster, and I will never love you. Instead, I came here for the fight you owe me, and I will take back what you stole from us.” Solvi bites back.

“I haven’t stolen anything from you. I keep telling you that.” He steps back at the sudden attack.

“And yet I still don't believe you. You came to my village, burned our homes, and killed my people. There is no reason for me to trust you.”

“Then don't believe me, but will you at least trust when I say thank you for the medicine? It saved his life.”

“Now we're even then, and I have no problem fighting you and beating you. Then you will tell me the truth.”

“You can try to beat me all you want, but there’s nothing more to tell you.”

“Fine, be at the big tree right outside town on the main road tomorrow, and we can finish this. Now move.”

“Alright, well, you better go. You’ll need your beauty sleep if you want a chance of beating me.”

“Don’t be so sure of that. You don’t know me.” Solvi turns and walks away, cursing him under her breath.

Reaching branches stretch out in every direction, keeping anyone hiding from the weather safe and dry. Laying on the grass under the tree, Solvi watches the leaves sway in the wind, calming her mind and her drift off to sleep.

Rising flames make her skin burn. The smoke fills her lungs. All the hope she had leaves her. The fire will finally take her this time.

The heat fades, and her body moves on its own. She's been saved again from the death that waited for her.

When her body stops moving, she opens her eyes and sees the Viking again, with that red mark on his face. She tries to get away from him, but she has no strength to be able to.

“Why do you keep saving me every night? Just let me die!” She shouts at him with a hoarse voice, finally able to say something to him for the first time in many nights. Solvi fades back out of consciousness and can barely hear the Viking speaking.

“You need to stay alive. There are still so many things waiting for you out in the world. And I need you to stay alive. You’re going to end up changing my world. Please wake up.”

Solvi wakes up in a cold sweat under the tree again.

“Why do I keep having this dream, and what is with that Viking? I don't want him anywhere near me, but he keeps helping me. And now he says he cares if I die, I doubt that. I just need to get the information I need and leave this place all behind me.”