Northern Legends

Chapter 7

Cassandra was fast asleep. Snuggled up warm and soft on Fenris, she slept really well. Usually her nights were always captured by nightmares, but on rare nights like this one she was allowed to sleep through. The first rays of sunlight fell into her sheltered hiding place and slowly woke Cassandra. But more surprising for her was not the dawning morning, but the wet tongue licking across her cheek.

"What the...?", she asked as the wet wolf's nose sniffed across her face again. Fenris had already been woken by this; he was already sitting upright next to her, looking at himself with big eyes.

"Good morning, you two."

Cassandra stroked Fenris tenderly over the soft fur. Hjalmar, on the other hand, was still more reserved towards her and came closer only slowly as Cassandra reached out her hand to him. It would take quite a while until the animal trusted her. He resembled his master all the more. Yesterday she had not escaped the piercing looks with which Hraerek had looked at her. So far no man had managed to make her so uncomfortable. She would lie down if she claimed that his touch made her uncomfortable. On the contrary: The way his rough, warm hands caressed her body was more than she could bear. The mere thought that her cheeks were turning red and her heart was beating faster was enough. Embarrassed, the curls caressed her face and fished in her backpack for a scrunchie. Her hair would only get in her way again. Cassandra plaited the thick strands of hair into a tight braid. That would hold!

Her shoes were now dry and warm from the residual heat of the campfire. She put on her thick walking shoes and reached for her Parker. She wrapped the fluffy scarf twice around her neck before putting on her backpack. She pulled the long braid out from under her jacket so it wouldn't pinch. One last time she looked around to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. But since the chance was very small that she would see this cave again anyway, it could not really matter to her. It would be best if she went home immediately. The only question was, where was it?! If she believed Hraerek, then this was not only another time period, but also a very strange world.

The most important thing first was to learn a lot about her new surroundings! Cassandra was good at adapting to new events. This had made her life much easier in the last years. But now she had to take a step forward for the first time!

"Good morning," she said to Hraerek. He stood ready to leave at the cave entrance and waited for her. He only looked at her but let his grey eyes glide over her body. Cassandra felt that warmth in her chest again and didn't know if it was that or the morning cold that turned her cheeks pink again.

"I thought it would be best if they woke you up. "I didn't want to risk you breaking my nose again."

"I told you I was sorry," Cassandra replied embarrassed.

The grim face had softened and small dimples formed when he smiled at her. Damn it! How could his smile be so sexy and attractive?

Hraerek reached out to her as they climbed out of the cave. Normally, Cassandra would have thanked him, but she was still a little unsteady on her feet and didn't want to risk another fall. Reluctantly she put her hand into his big one and was surprised how warm she was despite the cold temperatures. His calloused fingertips gently stroked the back of her hand. The many small scars on his hand testified to a dangerous life. He must have gone through a lot, but still he only gave her some support so she could walk down the steep slope without any problems. Immediately afterwards he let her go again and immediately Cassandra felt the cold wind and the bitter cold. No sooner had she pulled her coat tighter around her than Fenris stood beside her and snuggled up against her leg.

"He must really like you very much. I have never seen him take a stranger to his heart so quickly."

"You must love this handsome little fellow," Cassandra replied. She scratched Fenris extensively under her chin and behind her ears. The Wolf obviously enjoyed her strokes. The soft, grey fur glowed silvery in the first morning light.

The sun had just risen and bathed the clearing in a magical, winterly light. The white snowflakes that had fallen overnight glittered like diamonds and the icicles on the thick branches of the trees broke the sunlight that many small rainbows could be seen on the white snow cover. Up to now she only knew the dark, warm interior of the cave, which offered her protection last night, but this enchanting landscape made her forget the fears and horrors.

Cassandra did not notice that Hraerek was watching her closely. He did not know what enchanted him more: Her relaxed and detached face or the glint in her eyes. In the short time since he had rescued her he had noticed so many feelings about her: fear, joy, sadness and desire. But at that moment, when the sunlight shone on her and emphasized her fine features, she was the most beautiful creature in the world for him.

"So, where are we going?" Cassandra asked and pulled Hraerek out of his daydreams. She stroked a few single curls from her face that had come loose from her braid. But as much as he would like to do that for her, she had to leave.

"This way," he just said, and Cassandra wondered at his behavior. A moment ago he had looked at her with such a look she couldn't interpret; not a second later that face had given way to another grim mask. This man was an enigma to her. Up to now she had understood her counterpart well and had been able to judge him. But with him, she bit granite. He was so contradictory. One minute he was fierce, the next he smiled. But if she kept thinking about him like that, she would still be left behind.

Hraerek already had a good lead and Cassandra did not hurry to fall back. Fenris and Hjalmar ran happily next to them and frolicked together. The snowflakes were just swirling around where the two were chasing through. It was great fun to watch them. But what was like a walk for the wolves became more and more exhausting for Cassandra. They had been on the road for hours and Hraerek set a fast pace. She could keep up with him well, but the freezing cold took its toll. Cassandra was frozen to the bone and despite her good condition she found it more and more difficult to follow the strenuous march. She gritted her teeth and tried not to let anyone notice. But what Hraerek did not miss.

"Can you do anything else?", Hraerek asked.

"Don't worry about me. I'll catch up with you."

Cassandra thought she had calmed him down with this answer, but she had thought wrong. Hraerek walked back the few meters that separated them and gave her the drinking tube.

"Here, drink. It's not far now."

"Thanks."

The alcohol did her good. She already felt the pleasant warmth spreading through her bones. She gave it back to Hraerek and walked on. Fenris noticed her tiredness and walked close to her through the deep snow. Maybe as a support or just as a moral aid; whatever it was, Cassandra was happy to have him around. The animal had become dear to her heart, despite the short time she had been there.

But that didn't change her situation. How would it go on? Cassandra was heading towards an uncertain future, of which she did not yet know whether she should look forward to it or fear it?

Translated with the help of DeepL.