The Sign of the Raven by Poul Anderson

Author:Poul Anderson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical Novel
ISBN: 9780890836255
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 1980-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

King Harald received them well, with a cheer which had not been in him for years. He said he was assembling the court to hear a messenger from Flanders. Ulf nodded, unsurprised, and turned the talk until it reached Eystein's suit.

The king raised his brows. "I've not been altogether blind," he said. "Maria has refused three offers already, and I'd not compel her. Come, you two, follow me, and I'll have the girl sent for,"

Eystein's heart leaped in his breast. He had not felt thus since he was a youth.

The three men sat alone in the foreroom of the hall. It was chill and gloomy. Eystein could not take his eyes from the door. When it opened, sunlight and springtime streamed in.

Maria entered. She wore a cowled mantle of gray which gave her a look almost of holiness in the sheriff's mind . . . but as she came toward him, with the gracious stride that had walked through his nights, he thought of Freyja.

She turned her head, the big gray eyes half blinded by sudden murk. "You wished me here, father?"

"Yes." King Harald chuckled. "I thought you'd like to welcome our guest. We shall have Gorcock for supper."

She stopped, unmoving save that a small hand lifted to her lips, as if by its own will. "Oh," she said faintly. "I see you now . . . Well met, Eystein."

"The sheriff has, hm," Harald cleared his throat savoring the moment. "He has brought us somewhat of a surprise."

Maria made no answer.

"He has asked for your hand in marriage," went on the king. "I wondered if you would think of . . ."

His voice trailed off when he saw them looking at each other. They would not have heard him.

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