Chapter 2

“What is wrong with this kingdom?” Korynn paced in front of the council, retelling her story with Tjorvi after the soldiers had long gone. They had packed up and disappeared long before they had arrived, leaving Korynn frustrated.

“We know you wanted to save those women, but we can’t risk discovery. There aren’t enough of us to fight a war with the kingdom, let alone a group of twenty armed soldiers.” Skard Halfdansson had told her, his cheetah not built for war. Though he was ancient, he still looked only just out of his prime to her.

“I know, I just don’t think it’s right.” Korynn looked at the floor, unable to look him in the eyes. His mate Sigrid shook her head, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“We can’t all be heroes. The younglings depend on us to protect them, as do the elders and the ones who can’t fight anymore.” She said, trying to catch Korynn’s eye from the floor. When she looked up, most of their eyes had turned green or gold, showing their emotions clearer than their words.

“It hurts to turn our backs on those who need help, but we can barely help ourselves.” Korynn sighed, looking around as Sigeric spoke, gesturing to the families outside the tent, putting their own tents up and bedrolls down for the night.

Tjorvi put a hand on her shoulder, but she brushed him off, walking out of the council tent. Her mind spun between selfishness and understanding. They couldn’t risk themselves for someone who couldn’t even contribute to their community. Those were extra mouths to feed who couldn’t hunt or change, leaving the village more vulnerable.

“Sis!” Skallagrim smiled at her and waved her over, though she glanced back at the council tent. Nothing would change their minds, even though Tjorvi would try on her behalf.

“Glad to see you grabbed my stuff.” She ruffled his hair as he put his tent up, right next to their parents. He was older than her, but only by a year. His auburn hair was pulled back from his face, shaved on the sides like their father. Tjorvi came up behind her, clasping Skal’s arm.

“Brother.” Skal greeted him, to Korynn’s eye roll. She had proclaimed in her youth to marry the blonde haired, blue eyed Tjorvi, to which her brother endlessly teased her. She narrowed her green eyes at her brother, noticing he refused to look at her.

“Where’s Da?” He gestured inside the main tent, blocking Tjorvi from following her. She glanced back a moment only to shrug, knowing her brother was trying to play matchmaker again.

She found her father sitting with their mother, securing things that had to be packed in haste. She was a blonde beauty, but both her children had taken after him with their auburn hair and green eyes.