Winter's Wind: The Wilderness Trials (The Eagle Feather Saga Book 2) by A.K. Vyas

Author:A.K. Vyas [Vyas, A.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-30T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“A wolf in sheep's clothing.” ~ Dutch Proverb

The Gambit

Dawn snuck up on the fleeting darkness like a golden wolf pouncing on a gray fawn. The Auroch Chief could see smoke signals coming from the direction of the Mountain River. The Mountain Men want to talk. This must have something to do with those vultures we saw circling.

Two Auroch hunters escorted Thor to the People’s Gher. The Chief clasped hands warmly with the young giant. There was a fresh bloodstained poultice wrapped around the Mountain Man’s left forearm and multiple cuts all over him. He smiled but without his usual mirth.

“Thor, you don’t need a smoke signal to enter our lands, you are always welcome,” Chief Aash teased.

Thor’s tone was polite but serious. “Forgive me, Chief, I can’t laugh today. Some of our women, while gathering fruit yesterday, stumbled upon Grendol. They killed my…They killed Inga. We hunted down all four Grendol.”

The Auroch Chief’s face darkened. Inga was Thor’s mother. The Auroch had rescued her from a moose attack four winter ago. It was actually Inga’s rapport with Lulu that started the trading between the two peoples.

“I’m truly sorry, son,” Chief Aash expressed while placing a hand on Thor’s shoulder. “She was a good, brave woman. We will mourn her as well.”

“I don’t want to mourn. I want to kill! I, started with these four myself,” Thor snapped harshly, then was instantly sorry. “Forgive me, Chief, my anger burns great.”

Chief Aash knew this was true.

He’s just like Aki. A force of nature. I believe he actually killed all four.

“Thor, you should know the pass has been blocked by avalanche. We have more time,” Aash said. “What can I do for you?”

The young giant took a deep breath. “Yes, we saw the dust in the air too. There is a great talk brewing among my tribe now. Many are angry with Vili for ignoring warnings from both the Auroch and the Latini. Our women should not have been gathering unguarded! My uncle Olaf opposes Vili and says we must join the tribes, to face the Grendol.

“Jarl Vili says the Auroch cannot be trusted. Olaf thinks our people would listen to your words. You saved Inga, and avenged Aki. Our warriors respect this. You would come as my guest and Olaf’s. I give you my word, on the soul of my mother, I’ll crush any man who even looks at you wrong.”

The Chief nodded. “I believe you would. Can you give me a moment to speak with my council? These men here will get you some fruit and water.”

Once the redheaded giant left the Gher, the council spoke quickly.

“It’s a trap! We can’t trust them,” Karl snapped.

Hawk nodded. “No disrespect, Rollo, we need the Chief in these times. We can’t risk it.”

Rollo smiled grimly. “None taken. I agree. It’s too much risk, Chief. With all due respect, sir, you’re smarter than this. Do you think anything any man could say would sway that snake of a man? Send me. If you still must go, take me along.

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