Karr being the keeper of a long house had thought that he knew what to expect as late autumn arrived, but even he with his long memory was surprised by the sheer column of snow that had fallen over the plains of kri kri. The young girl he held captive on behalf of Lord Einar would be going nowhere in this weather. Karr had not looked for this duty but when Einar who had the ear of King Arric told you to something, you did as you were told. If you did not then you took the place of the duty asked for. At least Einar had offered payment and good payment in gold it was. So Karr would keep the girl known as Viya under lock and key, in the pit. A place usually reserved for prisoners or wild dogs awaiting dispatch to Odin.

Karr wondered if Einar or perhaps Arric intended to dispatch Viya, if they did it would be a shame, for the more he watched her the more he realised that she was something special. Yes she had a kind of beauty which made him wonder if she had refused to lay with Einar or Arric. Perhaps he should break her in, then again if either of them wanted her in that way they would not want her soiled by him. Pity, well he could wait awhile longer, for the kitchen maid would warm his bed this Autumn. He would bide his time, and take his chance when he knew what Einar intended for the girl.

Viya saw the look in Karr’s eyes, she had seen that look many times, well Karr had better watch out, she knew he was vassal of Einar, but if he tried anything she would be ready. She had not wasted her time whilst trapped in this hell hole, she had honed a fine needle out of a splinter of wood, and she would drive it between is ribs if needed.

Footnote: There will be more about Viya on my other site, www.michaelhumphris.uk under the title of Dawn Rider.