Bloodsong Hel X 3 by C. Dean Andersson

Author:C. Dean Andersson [Andersson, C. Dean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Event Horizon EBooks
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

BLOODSONG AND GRIMNIR rode to the crest of a sandy hill. Below stretched the horizon-spanning sea. Morning sunlight sparkled upon the surface of the blue water. Bloodsong turned to Grimnir, wonder in her eyes. “I’ve never seen its like before,” she admitted, looking back at the sea. “It’s beautiful but also a little unsettling.”

Grimnir nodded, remembering the first time he’d seen that vast expanse of water as a child. “You’ve done deeds that shall be told and retold long after your passing,” he said, “and yet you have never before seen the sea. I am glad I could be by your side for your first sight of Aegir’s Rooftop.”

“Ah, yes. Aegir, I suppose many who live near the sea invoke the Sea God’s name.”

“And that of His mate, Ran, Who catches humans in Her net and pulls them down into Her world.”

“She’ll not drag me down in Her net,” Bloodsong replied. “You promised a longship, Grimnir. I see no ship.”

“It’s not far from here.”

“Then let’s be on our way. The days we’ve ridden to get here seemed to take forever. I hope the voyage to the Berserkers’ Isle will be as quick and easy as you have promised.”

Grimnir angled his horse away from the beach toward an inlet marked by a thick stand of trees. Within the trees stood several dwellings, and in the still, deep waters of the secluded inlet rode a longship. “She stands ready for this year’s raiding,” Grimnir told Bloodsong. “Her name is Waveslasher. I’ve lived on her decks more than once.”

“We two cannot handle such a large ship alone,” she commented, eyeing the sleek craft.

“We won’t have to,” Grimnir replied, then dismounted and roared a greeting. “Ho! Magnus! Come and greet your old swordmate!”

Bloodsong dismounted, ready to draw her sword, suspicious of the situation until she had reason to feel otherwise.

A huge, barrel-chested, blond-bearded man emerged from a longhouse and bellowed a return greeting as he hurried toward them. “Come to go raiding with us again?” Magnus asked as he clapped Grimnir on the back. “It’s been too long, Grimnir!”

Magnus looked at Bloodsong. “Who is this woman you’ve brought with you? A companion for my wife while we are away?”

Bloodsong held Magnus’s gaze. “I am Bloodsong, I need your ship.”

Magnus laughed. “And, of course, I’ll just give it to you! A woman!” He laughed again. “Another of your fine jokes, Grimnir? You were always a great one for playing jokes!”

The look on Grimnir’s face stilled Magnus’s laughter. “We have just come from Eirik’s Vale,” Grimnir said. “Kovna came, and a sorceress, the Hel-Witch, Thokk. Eirik’s Vale was destroyed, all the inhabitants massacred. Did you not hear this woman’s name, man? She is Bloodsong. Bloodsong! Treat her with the respect a warrior such as she deserves!”

Magnus looked back at Bloodsong. “I meant no disrespect,” he told her with a return glance to Grimnir. “Grimnir always liked to play jokes. I had friends who lived in Eirik’s Vale, though I never visited there. Are you certain that

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