Fire in our veins

Don't let me regret even if I will

Drenched in cold sweat, she sat up abruptly, waking from an unpleasant dream. She had already managed to get used to them, so she took a deep breath, then another, and slowly lay back down on the soft furs. Once her breathing was steady, she noticed that the other side of the bed was empty. The fur and blanket continued to be quite warm, which meant that Viggo hadn't been out for a long time. It was cold in the tent, so after a moment's thought, she took the blanket and wrapped herself in it. It smelled of smoke and something she couldn't identify. It was not unpleasant, on the contrary, it had something soothing about it.

She couldn't sleep, so she started to think about what she could do. Running away was not an option at the moment. The camp was a long way from the port, and she was sure she would not be able to leave the tent without being seen. She also did not have her sword, which Viggo had hidden somewhere, nor her dagger, which he had also taken. She was left with a small knife, which she had hidden in a special pocket in her bodice, but she could at most use it to spread butter on her bread.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Viggo and to her surprise also Erik. Both men had apparently not noticed that she was awake when they sat down at the desk. At first, she didn't notice anything strange, until Erik placed a small lantern on the tabletop. The man himself looked the same as he had a few hours earlier, something she couldn't say about Viggo. The dragon hunter chief was pale, making the dark rims around his eyes even darker. He sat, propping his head on his hand.

- Viggo this has to stop before a tragedy happens. - Erik spoke in a hushed voice, but loud enough for her to hear what he was saying.

- You are starting to sound like Helga, and in case you were wondering yes, I have just offended you.

- Oh, if I were that woman, I wouldn't think twice before you get your head slapped off for what happened. Damn it Viggo! - he slammed his fist on the tabletop, at which they both looked in her direction. She closed her eyes, which from this distance looked like she was still asleep.

- As you can see, I'm doing just fine without you. - He tried to get up from the chair, but immediately fell back on it.

- You don't eat, you don't sleep, praise the gods that at least you drink something. And if it Ulfrig wasn't... what were you even doing there at this hour? - Erik did not sound happy. He got up and walked towards the exit, then returned to his seat.

- Nygren came here a while ago and said that one of the tunnels had collapsed. - Viggo sounded tired.

- That's what I'm on night watch for. Why are we even setting this up if everyone runs to you for any reason?

- I am the chief, in case you have forgotten Erik. - he said with a sigh, adjusting the position he was sitting in.

- Listen Viggo, I wouldn't make a problem out of this if it wasn't necessary, but everyone has noticed that there is something wrong with you. Even your brother and you know how he is.

- And what do you think I should do? Give Ryker the reins and start planting cabbages? - He rubbed his eyes with his hand before looking at Erik.

- God's safe us from that. I wanted to offer you a day off. And before you say no, it's only one day. Get a good night's sleep, eat a meal like a normal person, and the next day you can go back to being yourself.

Viggo was silent for a moment, looking at the lanterns in concentration. Suddenly he stood up, and with him, Erik did the same. They both walked towards the exit of the tent. Eira couldn't hear what they were saying, though she could see Erik nodding. She closed her eyes when Viggo turned towards her. She could hear him pulling on his shoes and tunic before his side of the bed bent slightly.