Odin's Ravens (Descendants Saga Book 2) by Jerry Autieri

Author:Jerry Autieri [Autieri, Jerry]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw
Published: 2017-08-01T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

Yngvar tore his long sword from the sheath, iron ringing in the night. Around him the same hiss echoed repeatedly. Lopt raised his blade and pointed it at Yngvar's chest.

Bjorn roared and pulled back Gyna's head to expose her throat. "Have the corpse of your daughter, fool!"

"Wait!"

Thorfast lumbered forward, pushing Yngvar aside to stand before Lopt. He grabbed Bjorn's arm, dragging the blade away from Gyna's neck.

Yngvar whirled on Thorfast, who pressed his sword arm lower. "Everyone, think before we all regret tonight's madness."

Lopt did not shift, but neither did he press his threat. He and his mainly Saxon warriors stood ready to fight, though to Yngvar's mind they appeared only halfhearted in their desire. Only Lopt carried any note of true fury.

When it seemed the flare of rage passed, Thorfast collected himself. He stood as straight as his wound allowed and spoke directly to Lopt.

"Would you end your line here? Have you so little pride in your blood that you've no wish to pass it on?"

"What are you talking about?" Lopt asked, stabbing his sword at Thorfast.

"Your daughter who is a heartbeat away from having her throat laid open. Bjorn is not a man to hesitate when it comes to spilling blood. She's as good as dead."

Gyna remained painfully still, locked against Bjorn's chest with his gleaming dagger over her dark skin. Her eyes were white with terror and the veins of her exposed neck pulsed. Lopt glanced at her, and in that instant he seemed to soften.

Yngvar realized Thorfast was giving Lopt time to think and weaken his resolve. Perhaps some fathers could throw away the lives of their children on a whim, but Yngvar did not believe Lopt was one. He had gambled the entire night on that assumption. Thorfast's interruption had allowed Lopt the moments needed to cool down. Anger no longer ruled him.

Thorfast nodded. "And your daughter who is wed to Waldhar, she is barren. Am I mistaken?"

From the scowl that spread across Lopt's face, Yngvar knew it was true. He stared wide-eyed at Thorfast, who allowed himself a self-satisfied smirk before continuing.

"So tonight all your ancestors watch you throw away your bloodline for a moment of pride. No matter how you chose, you are dead. As of this moment, Gyna is dead. Your last daughter will pass on nothing of you and everything you were vanishes. All these men, these Saxons, will die for your pride. Do you think they will celebrate your name? No, their wives and lovers will curse you for leading their men to senseless deaths. But if you accept our offer, Gyna lives and carries on your name and memory. These men might return home one day and recall your sacrifice. So what is your choice, Lopt Stone-Eye?"

Lopt's stone eye remained fixed on Yngvar, but he spoke to his daughter. "I'm sorry, girl. I should have heeded your wisdom. You are much like your mother was."

Gyna shook her head, and through her gag it sounded as if she begged her father to let her die.

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