Read Online Catla and the Vikings by Mary Nelson - Free Book Online

jobs done.
    Catla backed away until her legs felt the small stool beside Edith’s cottage wall. She watched the bustling scene and all at once thought about home. What was her family doing right now? Were the Nord-devils giving them anything to drink or eat? Were the children safe? Everything was taking too long here. She wanted to leave for Covehithe now. She shook her hair across her face to hide her resentment. She knew she was being petty. Moment by moment she felt a deep isolation. Surrounded by friendly faces, she still felt much alone.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    A Swift Turn of Events
    A haze of fine dust floating in the air above the bustling village caught the rays of the sun. It settled on the villagers eating bread with porridge. Some of them ate newly harvested onions, and everyone had some ale. Catla hadn’t felt hungry, but when Edith appeared with a smear of porridge on bread and an onion, her stomach rumbled.
    Edith smiled at the sound. “Eat now, Catla. No one has forgotten Covehithe. The hill-fort group is almost ready to leave.”
    Eating made Catla feel guilty. Her family was hungry and suffering, and she had food and freedom. She looked into the blue autumn sky. Its calm provided a sharp contrast to the activity all around her. Suddenly, she felt exhausted and became aware again of the throbbing in her sore leg. She was glad for the sun-warmed wall and leaned against it as she watched bundles of fur and food grow higher.
    Sven came around the corner of the cottage, his shirt gathered like a bag, holding stones. “For the Norsemen,” he said. At her questioning look, he explained, “We’re making piles of rocks to throw at the Norsemen. They’re all along the path.” He crouched beside her and chewed the bread Edith handed him. When he finished eating, he patted Catla’s arm awkwardly and left.
    The village dogs with wide chests and long legs were harnessed to the wagons with leather thongs and traces. Catla was used to these snarling, growling beasts, but she was glad that they were muzzled.
    Wulfric passed, holding the elbow of an older woman who moved with difficulty. He treated her tenderly, and Catla could see why Edith had wanted him at the hill fort.
    â€œLeah, here’s a place on these soft wolf pelts,” Edith said. Leah settled herself on one of the wagons and lifted her arms to hold a baby. Mathilda and another toddler climbed up beside her.
    One of the younger boys appeared with two milk goats harnessed together.
    â€œGood thinking, Daniel. You’ll need nanny goats. I see you have tied them well.” Edith bent to examine the knots that held the goats, and Daniel’s face glowed under the praise.
    â€œI’ve let the rest out to graze. We’ll find them when we come home. Matthew told me to let the pigs find their own food too.”
    â€œWell done, Daniel.” Hugh patted his shoulder.
    Mathilda had skidded off the slippery bedding robes and was crying. Wulfric picked her up, gave her a short hug, then settled her on a shorter pile beside a knot, which he put in her hand. Holding her doll among the folded furs, she waved to Catla and called, “We’re going on an adventure, Catla. I’m holding on to this knot.”
    Catla smiled at her, but suddenly tears threatened to spill. She stammered out a faint, “Good luck,” and turned her face away, afraid she’d cry if she looked at the eager little girl any longer. Her red cheeks and trusting eyes reminded her too much of Bega.
    Hugh moved among the women and children, speaking quietly, stooping to tighten a rope here or tuck in a piece of fur there. “Brida, you’ll lead? You know the way? Wulfric will point you straight if you need help.” Hugh draped his arm over Edith’s shoulders and pressed her close in a short hug. “Thank you. I’ll see you soon.” Then he faced the assembly. “Thank you for your quick work. Go in safety with