A deep crease formed between Siggy's brows. She spoke as if to Athelstan, a well-meaning stranger forever new to Viking culture. "But if you do not see the animal, you will not know if the meat is good," Siggy said. "And you cannot get the blood, organs, or hide. It is a waste. No, we should have a live animal first."
The act of slaughter and dressing a carcass was not one that Siggy relished, but it was one that she was capable of doing. Then the meat could be smoked and salted for later, the blood could be made into pudding and sausage, and the task would not have to be repeated until stores ran low. This kind, soft girl needed real food, something hearty that would put color in her cheeks and meat on her bones. "And we need a proper hearth."