The United States of Vinland: The Landing (The Markland Trilogy) by Taber Colin

Author:Taber, Colin [Taber, Colin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Vikings, Fantasy, Alternative History, United States, epic fantasy, Adventure, Historical fiction, Historical Fantasy, vinland, what if
Publisher: Thought Stream Creative Services
Published: 2013-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

Part IV

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The Rise of Ravens

Chapter 11

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The Lonely Vales

Seta did go back to try to find her people, but not until after her first Godsland winter had passed. In that long and cold season, following the murder of Ari, she found solace in her two babes, her sister, and amongst the other women, particularly in the friendship that grew deep and true with Halla. Seta had mostly refused the interest of the hall’s men, although, in her own aloof way, she had entertained some of Torrador’s attention. So when she tested her gifted freedom by announcing she wanted to try and find what remained of her family, it was not a great surprise that Torrador wore a frown and silently stewed over the news.

Eskil understood the pain caused by lost family, something he knew only too well, after the Battle of Svold. The sea conflict, an ambush of fleets, had left him missing his father and older brothers, who had been lost, if not to Christian-backed axes and blades, then to the wants of allied kings.

When spring had well and truly arrived, Eskil, Ballr and a sullen Torrador took Seta a fair distance down the fjord and across the channel, to near where she said the land opened up into several vales her extended family often passed through in late spring and summer.

The distance was a fair one, not far past the entrance to Alfvin’s Golden Dale, but on the opposite shore. That put it on the same side of the channel as Lakeland, but far removed. Getting that far took enough of the day that the three men camped with her for the night before planning to return to Godsland in the morning.

And that is how she wanted it. She needed to search for what was left of her family, and she needed to do it without any Godslanders.

The night in the wilds was uncomfortable, the wind fresh and the showers of rain verging on sleet. They sheltered in a glade that grew close to the base of a small cliff, which offered some relief from the worst of the weather, but certainly no peace. Torrador offered to take the middle watch, seeing them through the heart of the night. Seta woke and rose from her furs to sit with him by the campfire.

Eskil felt for Torrador, for there seemed to be a genuine feeling in his attraction to Seta, not merely an urge to find a mate. To see the two together delivered its own comfort, despite the weather.

Torrador and Seta talked quietly, wrapped in their own furs and skins while they watched the night.

Neither spoke much at first, yet as the night stretched on, Seta attempted to ease Torrador’s mood. “The wind dies.”

He looked to the fire, watching it fight against the occasional spit of rain, the wind stirring it. Hot, yellow flames raced over the glowing embers and leapt up to lick at the air. “You would be more comfortable in Godsland, with your children.”

She frowned, an

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