“Lars was here,” another warrior said.
The third warrior added what he knew. “The healer, Greta, was here.”
“And Eria as well,” the warrior who first spoke said.
“Were Greta and Eria here together?” Wolf asked.
“No, they came separately,” the one warrior confirmed.
“Who was here the longest?’ Raven asked.
The three warriors cast a quick glance at one another and their baffled expression was answer enough, though one spoke for them all. “None stayed that long so it is difficult to say.”
“Your duty is done here. Go home and stay warm,” Wolf ordered and the men smiled their appreciation and hurried out.
“Now we question them,” Raven said, “except my brother. He wouldn’t have anything to do with this. Besides, he wasn’t here when the first man was found.”
“Lars has been a trusted friend for years. I can’t see it being him,” Wolf said, though there was a question of doubt in his eyes.
“What troubles you?”
“I thought another man a trusted friend.”
“The one who tried to kill Purity,” Raven said.
Wolf nodded not surprised she knew. Purity probably told her, though Raven had an uncanny way of finding things out.
“I doubt it’s Lars. Anyone can see how loyal he is to you, to the tribe. But it would be wise to ask all of them, even my brother, why they were there.”
Eria stood in front of the table, wringing her hands. “Have I done something wrong, Wolf?” she shook her head. “I mean, my lord.”
“We’re friends, Eria.” At least he hoped they were. “You can call me Wolf as you’ve always done.”
She folded her hands in front of her, her worry eased some. “I’m glad. Our friendship means much to me.”
“Sit and have a hot brew?” Wolf offered.
Eria cast a hasty glance to the door. “George waits for me. We will sup with Fyn and Greta at the keep, Detta as well.”
“Then I won’t keep you. Tell me why you went to the shed where the dead men rest.”
“Greta suggested it. She thought I might recognize one of the men since many say the two are Northman.”
“Wise of her,” Wolf said.
“And did you recognize either of them?” Raven asked, sitting beside her husband pressed close to him, enjoying his warmth.
“I’m afraid I didn’t.” Eria’s brow knitted.
“Anything you may have noticed would be of help,” Raven said.
“I thought there was something familiar about the one dead man, but I can’t figure out what it is,” Eria said, it obviously troubling her.
“If you think of it, let me know,” Wolf said.
Tears quickly glistened in Eria’s eyes. “I am forever grateful to you for protecting me, but then you always did. You truly are a good friend, Wolf.”
“I will always keep you safe, Eria, though I believe there is another man who would gladly take on the task.”
Eria’s cheeks blossomed red.
“Go and enjoy supper with your friends,” Wolf said. “Please send Greta in. I won’t keep her long.”
Eria hurried out and Greta entered a moment later.
Greta stood in front of the table as worried as Eria had been. “How may I be of help, my lord?”
“Tell me why you went to see dead men.”
“To see if I could recognize the second dead man,” she said and hesitated as if she stopped herself from saying more.
“What else, Greta?” Wolf urged, a warning that he would have an answer.
“It will sound strange, but being a healer I am curious when someone dies. I want to see the wounds and try to discover whatever I can about them.”
“You’re a wise healer,” Raven said. “Tell me, did you notice if the second man had a knife tucked in his boot?”
Greta shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I had no reason to look at his boots.”
“Anything else catch your interest about the two men?” Wolf asked.
“No,” she said, a sadness drifting over her. “Only that I wish I could have saved them.”
“That’s all, Greta. Go and enjoy your night,” Wolf said.
“Can I send Arran and Lars in?” She smiled. “They complain of deep hunger.”
“Send them in,” Wolf said.
Arran and Lars both dug into the food on the table as soon as they sat.
“Are you going to tell us what goes on?” Arran asked and tore a chunk of bread off one of many loaves of bread in the middle of the table.
“Why did you go to see the dead man?” Wolf asked him.
Arran shrugged. “When I learned there was another dead man, I got curious. I thought by chance I might recognize him. If he had been a captive of Brynjar I may have run into him.”
“Did you?” Raven asked, though knew if he had he would have shared the news immediately.
“No. He, like the other man, wasn’t familiar to me.”
“I went to have a better look myself,” Lars said. “I thought that maybe there would be something familiar about them if I saw them together.” He shook his head. “There wasn’t.”