The Abduction of the Northmen

Chapter 19

The Manimi were joyous of the return of Jordanes, but Tóra and her family were less than joyous.

Her father and grandfather were taken by a tribe inhabited by beasts, and the only feelings consumed inside her were rage and despair.

"Ey." A voice called. Tóra turned to face eyes with an untamed woman.

"May I sit with you?" she asked.

"You will not harm me, will you not?" Tóra responded maliciously.

She sat next to Tóra. Tóra stared at her with cold eyes. She had true grit to sit beside after the way she treated her.

"I wanted to apologize to you. About my demeanor before. I was foolish to treat you the way I did." she answered.

Tóra stared at her in surprise. Ila was asking her for forgiveness.

"You are forgiven." Tóra responded, with a sly grin.

"I thank you." Ila grinned.

Tóra's eyes gazed their way to Jordanes, a maiden embracing him. Her lips met Jordanes, and by the looks of it, Jordanes seemed to loathe this.

"Do you fancy him?" Ila asked. Tóra stared wide eyed at the German.

"What idea makes you indicate this?" Tóra demanded.

"I have watched the way he looks at you. His eyes reveal much more than his visage." Ila laughed.

Tóra continued to watch Jordanes. His eyes met hers, there was a look of sorrow in them.

"Your face gains color as well. It makes your sallow face look healthier." Tóra laughed.

Perhaps Ila was not as brutish as she suspected.

"I have a proposal." Ila said.

"Yes?"

"Áki and I join you on your quest. I am ready to murder those brutal Arochi." There was a fire in her eye, Tóra enjoyed this excitement.

"Yes. You may accompany us. But please do not insult my family." Tóra answered.

Ila grinned coyly.

"I do not understand." She grinned.

Both girls laughed. There were more people who would help, and that was all that mattered to Tóra.