Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier Read Free Book Online Page A

to ride out to meet his brother. In his mind was a joyful reunion on the track that skirted the fjord, a companionable ride back up the hillside while the two Wolfskins gave him all the news, then an evening’s feasting and tales. He could hardly keep the grin off his face. Somerled stood silent in the stable doorway, watching him intently. Eyvind had gotten used to Somerled being always there, a still shadow, eyes following his every move. At first, this had beendeeply unsettling; now, he was so accustomed to it that he thought he might almost miss the other boy if he were not constantly present.
    â€œI shouldn’t be long,” Eyvind said a little awkwardly.
    â€œIt’s all right.” Somerled’s voice was level, self-contained. “I know your brother means a lot to you. He is a Wolfskin; you aspire to be just like him. I can understand that.”
    â€œI’m sorry…” Eyvind fell silent, not at all sure how to finish.
    â€œOff you go,” Somerled said. “I can see every moment’s delay chafes you. Go on.”
    â€œI’ll see you later, then.” Eyvind swung up onto the horse, the prospect of a gallop down the broad path under the firs already driving Somerled from his thoughts.
    â€œEyvind!” It was his mother’s voice, and a moment later Ingi appeared from the longhouse, drying her hands on her apron.
    â€œWhat is it, Mother?”
    â€œI’m sorry, son, I know you wanted to ride down to the fjord and meet them, but I need you to go over to Snorri Erlandsson’s. I’ve two milch cows ailing now, and I need him to have a look at them before another night passes. If we don’t nip this in the bud, the whole herd will be at risk. I’m sorry, Eyvind.” Ingi had seen the expression on her son’s face. “All the other boys are out helping with plowing and I just can’t spare anyone else.”
    â€œIt’s all right, Mother, of course I’ll go,” Eyvind said, swallowing his disappointment. The dairy herd was a substantial part of their livelihood; a chance to greet the Wolfskins on his own was nothing to this. He tried hard not to look as if it mattered to him.
    â€œI’ll go.”
    Ingi and Eyvind turned equally surprised faces toward Somerled. He had never ridden so far on his own; more significantly, he had never before volunteered for a task, though, when asked, he performed them in acquiescent, expressionless silence.
    â€œI don’t think—” Ingi began.
    â€œIt’s too far—” Eyvind spoke at the same time.
    Somerled looked at them, and they fell silent at the implacable darkness of those eyes in the small, pale face.
    â€œI said, I’ll go. I know the way. I think I can be relied upon to deliver a simple message about some cows.”
    Ingi glanced at Eyvind, brows raised. “Better if you go, Eyvind,” she said. “It’s a long way and not an easy ride.”
    â€œNo,” said Somerled. “I will go. Eyvind will ride down to meet his brother. Should I take the black mare or the gray pony?”
    â€œI don’t know if—” Ingi began, clearly taken aback. Her word was law throughout Hammarsby.
    â€œTake the gray,” Eyvind said, “she’s more reliable. And go by the upper track, it’s quicker in dry weather.” He looked at his mother. “You can trust Somerled,” he added.
    â€œWhat is this, a conspiracy?” Ingi glanced from one boy to the other, a little frown on her brow. “Very well then, off you go. Somerled, are you sure you know the cattle doctor’s house? You must cross right over to the southernmost grazing fields, and then—you do? Good. You can ride back with Snorri; you should be home in time for supper. And you,” she addressed her youngest son, “straight there and straight back, and be glad you have such a loyal friend.”
    â€œI am,” Eyvind said, and winked