Following Einar, they quickly returned to the settlement, taking the route on the opposite side to the blacksmith’s cottage, just in case. Keeping up with the younger lad at a brisk pace, the twins didn’t really have time to dwell on the night’s events, as Einar deliberately led them through the thickest undergrowth he could find. Somehow, he didn’t feel like hearing about the brothers’ romantic conquest.
‘It’s a shame we had to make a run for it so quickly,’ sighed Kari when they finally emerged onto the road. ‘A woman like that…’
‘A dream…’ Leif agreed.
‘If I hadn’t come looking for you, you really would have had nothing but dreams.’ Einar had no doubt that the twins would want to return to Gudrun’s embrace. ‘Although, perhaps if the blacksmith’d caught you, you’d have stopped thinking only about how to get more girls into bed.’
‘You wouldn’t understand, Einar…’
‘... you’re too young.’
‘When you grow up...’
‘... then you’ll understand.’ The twins grinned smugly.
‘Yeah, I’m four years younger. ’ Einar gave the twins a curious look. ‘But Surt’s only a year younger than you lot, and he doesn’t understand you either.’ He spread his hands, trying to convey his lack of understanding. ‘On the other hand, Bragi’s a year older, and he doesn’t get it either.’ Kari and Leif sighed as if on cue.
‘Bores,’ they declared in unison.
‘Maybe, but next time I might not be able to drag you out in time,’ said Einar, turning to his brothers.
‘Yes, indeed…’
‘…thanks, little bro.’ The twins grinned again, but at least they were being sincere.
‘But we reckon…’
‘…that if anything happens, you’ll still help us out.’ The smirks on their faces really didn’t bode well.
‘How can I just abandon my brothers?’ Einar muttered under his breath and shook his head sadly.
‘Actually, I don’t think you were looking for us today to save us, were you?’ Leif slung his arm around Einar’s neck.
‘Come on, little brother, what’s the matter?’ Kari did the same as his brother and leaned on Einar’s other shoulder.
